When Kevin and his wife moved to Sunrise in November 2023, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Having downsized from their home in Foster due to his wife’s declining health, they were looking for somewhere that offered comfort, support, and a genuine sense of community. “We both loved it here,” recalls Kevin.
It didn’t take long for Kevin to become part of the fabric of life at Sunrise. A lifelong musician, Kevin quickly found his place in Sunrise’s band, performing at events. With another musician (the drummer) living next door and a thriving singing group, music once again became an important part of his life. Just as importantly, Kevin found friendship. “The staff were incredibly supportive and encouraging,” he says. “Everyone at Sunrise made me feel welcome.”
Sadly, in June 2025, Kevin’s wife passed away. Grieving and wanting to be closer to his two sons, Kevin made the difficult decision to leave Sunrise and relocate to Sydney. On paper, it seemed like the right move. His sons were nearby, along with public transport, shops, and medical services. But something was missing. “I didn’t know a soul,” Kevin says.
While his family had busy lives, Kevin found himself spending days at a time without speaking to another person. “I could go five, six, seven days without talking to anyone,” says Kevin.
Jaki, Kevin and Leisl are glad to be reunited.
The contrast couldn’t have been greater. At Sunrise, neighbours regularly checked in on one another. There were activities to join, music to play, and people to chat with every day. In Sydney, Kevin realised how much those everyday connections had meant to him. “I was miserable,” he admits. “People just kept to themselves.”
Eventually, Kevin told his sons he wanted to return to Sunrise. “I wasn’t sure what they would think,” he says. “They said they couldn’t understand why I’d ever left!”
On 9 June 2026, exactly one year after his wife’s passing, Kevin settled on his new home at Sunrise. Today, he is back where he belongs. He is once again a familiar face in the community band, reconnecting with friends, enjoying the activities on offer, and embracing the community he missed so much.
Kevin describes Sunrise as a place where people genuinely care for one another. “Everyone just gets along. People are supportive without being too intrusive,” he says. He has nothing but praise for the team who welcomed him back, too. “They’re always cheerful,” he says of Leisl and Jaki. “They make the sun shine, even when it’s raining.”
Looking back, Kevin knows he made the right decision. Returning to Sunrise wasn’t just about moving back into the community. It was about coming home.