A decade ago, Don Muir was ranked the 10th-fastest swimmer in the world for his age group, but a 2013 diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a condition that stiffens the muscles and makes it difficult to move, had slowed him down.
Moving into the Uniting Mayflower aged care home at Gerringong, Don continued to swim for the next couple of years, but eventually was forced to retire from his swim team.
Since then, Don had stayed on dry land – until the home’s lifestyle coordinator Margaret Darling found a swimming pool with disabled facilities.
“When I realised what a swimming champion Don was, I knew I had to find a way to get him back in the pool. It was an incredible day and he really loosened up and was able to move his legs a lot more freely than out of the water. I’ll definitely try to arrange it again,” Ms Darling said.
Daughter Kellie Goodridge says it was lovely to see her father back doing what he loves. “He has lost a lot of expression in his face but I can see past the condition and recognise a little smile,” she said.
Care homes again helping residents to live their best life.
