INSTEAD of celebrating her 100th birthday in isolation, a much-loved Balnarring great-great-grandmother – born in 1920 – was able to mark the occasion at home.
Muriel Bettes accepted best wishes from family and friends at her front door, by phone, or – for a select few, due to the restrictions – inside her Balnarring home.
Ms Bettes, a patient of Peninsula Health’s Hospital in the Home Unit, said: “To be able to enjoy the day with those who I love the most, simply meant the world to me.
“Even though glass separated me from many of those who dropped by, it was really wonderful to have that opportunity by being home.”
As its name suggests, Hospital in the Home allows patients to remain at home while being cared for. “We offer treatment and equipment at no cost to the patient, providing a safe, personal and effective alternative to treatment in hospital,” registered nurse Leanne Field said.
“My colleague Chantal visited Ms Bettes on her special day to give her a bouquet of flowers and a card from all of the team at HITH. She was so proud to show off her letters from the Queen and Prime Minister.”
First published in the Western Port News – 4 November 2020
