At 77, Erica still likes to do things her way.

She starts each morning with exercises prescribed by her physiotherapist. If the weather is good, she will go for a walk. If it's raining, she will keep moving around the house instead.

"I have to keep moving," she says. "Otherwise, if I sit too much, it's no good."

It's an attitude that has carried Erica through a lifetime of change, challenges and loss. From growing up in the Seychelles to building a life in Australia, raising a family and caring for the man she calls "the love of my life", Erica's story is one of determination, loyalty and finding joy in the people around her.

Today, with support from Seniors Community Care, she continues to live independently in the home she loves.

From the Seychelles to Australia

Erica was raised in the Seychelles in a large Catholic family where respect, family and community were central to everyday life.

"We were brought up very strictly," she recalls. "Family was everything."

As a young woman, she left her island home and moved to Australia with her husband and baby daughter. The transition was far from easy.

"The first day I arrived here, I wanted to go back," she says with a laugh.

The climate, language and culture were vastly different from the life she had known. But over time, Australia became home.

"Now, it's the best thing I ever did."

While she still treasures her Seychelles heritage, Erica built a life here, raised her family and created lasting connections within her community.

A Second Chance at Love

After the breakdown of her first marriage, Erica found herself raising two young daughters on her own.

It was during this period that she met the man who would become her husband.

Erica and the ‘love of her life’ on the day they got married and the two happy daughters in the background

Years later, when illness affected his health. She left work early to care for him full-time, a decision she never regretted.

"The best six years I've ever spent were looking after him," she says.

"Family always comes first."

Nearly 17 years after his passing, Erica still speaks about him with deep affection.

"He was the love of my life."

Learning to Accept Support

As she has grown older, Erica has faced increasing health challenges, including arthritis, osteoporosis, mobility issues and ongoing medical appointments.

Despite this, remaining independent has always been important to her.

When her Home Care Package was approved, Erica began investigating providers. One thing mattered above all else: she wanted to continue receiving support from a trusted carer who already understood her needs.

For someone who experiences anxiety and panic attacks, familiarity was important.

"I don't feel comfortable with different people," she explains. "I like people who know me."

Seniors Community Care worked with Erica to keep the support arrangements that gave her confidence and peace of mind.

"That's why I chose them," she says.

"We're Like Family"

Ask Erica about her carer and her face immediately lights up.

"We're like sisters. We're like family."

Her carer assists with cleaning, shopping, meal preparation and transport to appointments, but Erica says the relationship goes far beyond practical support.

"She's really, really nice," Erica says. "She goes above and beyond for me."

Having someone who understands her health conditions, routines and preferences, makes a significant difference to her daily life, allowing her to focus on the things she enjoys while continuing to live independently.

"Whatever I need, they provide for me."

Living Life Her Way

While Erica appreciates support when she needs it, she remains determined to maintain her independence.

Her daughter lives in the same house, with Erica having her own space separately, but she values the balance that allows each of them to live their own lives.

"My daughter has her own life and I've got my life," she says.

She still prepares simple meals, enjoys spending time with family and regularly attends a local seniors’ group.

"I love bingo," she says with a smile.

For Erica, staying active isn't just about physical health. It's about continuing to participate in life, make her own choices and remain connected to the people and places that matter.

Looking Ahead

When conversations at her local seniors group turn to aged care providers, Erica is always happy to share her experience.

"I tell them mine is the best," she says.

She has spent her life caring for others: her children, her husband and her family. Today, the support she receives helps her continue living independently, staying connected to her community and doing the things she enjoys.

And for Erica, that's exactly how she wants it.

"I can't complain," she says. "They've been very good to me."