If you’ve ever visited Finley Regional Care, chances are you’ve already met our most popular resident – Lily the cat.
With her sleek calico fur, knowing eyes, and queen-like grace, Lily has made herself very much at home here in our aged care community. She’s more than just a pet; she’s a companion, a comfort, and a big part of the home.
So, what does a typical day look like for Lily? As it turns out — a little bit of everything (with plenty of cat naps, of course).
Sunrise, stretches, and a patrol of the grounds
Lily usually starts her day early – long before the breakfast buzz begins. With a big stretch and a yawn, she slips down from her favourite sleeping spot and begins her morning patrol.
She weaves between the garden beds, tail held high, checking that everything is just so. She watches the birds fluttering by, sometimes engaging in a slow, exaggerated stalk that ends with a flop onto the warm paving stones. She’s not much of a hunter, but she does like to keep up appearances.
By the time the residents begin to make their way to the dining room for breakfast, Lily is often ready to come in (and subtly encourage someone to sneak her a treat).
Mid-morning visits
Throughout the day, you can often find Lily doing her rounds inside the home, looking for a pat, a kind word or a soft lap. She might sit beside a resident who reads aloud to her from the newspaper, or curl up next to another resident who’s doing the morning crossword. She usually brings joy wherever she goes. Even residents who live with dementia often light up when Lily appears, reaching out to stroke her soft fur or simply watching her with a smile.
Lily seems to instinctively know when someone needs a little extra love. She’ll sit quietly beside a resident who’s feeling lonely, offering her presence without expectation. It’s a gentle kind of companionship, and it’s powerful.
Afternoon sun and supervision duties
After lunch, you’ll usually find Lily basking in the sun somewhere around the grounds – sprawled luxuriously, soaking up the warmth. Sometimes a staff member will stop to give her a scratch behind the ears as they pass by.
But don’t be fooled – this is also an important time for Lily. She keeps a watchful eye on the comings and goings of the home, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Staff have joked that she’s our unofficial manager – always present, always observing, and always knowing when it’s time to step in for a morale boost.
Her presence lifts the spirits of not just residents, but also the hardworking team at Finley Regional Care. A quick interlude with Lily in the middle of a busy shift can make a world of difference.
Evening wind-down
As the day winds down, Lily might spend the evening curled up on a couch, nestled into a cosy blanket or doing her own thing outside in the grounds.
When the lights dim and the home quiets down, she returns to her favourite sleeping spot for a night of blissful slumber, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
More than just a cat
While Lily certainly enjoys the perks of being queen of the home – the warm spots, the endless cuddles, the occasional cheeky snack – her role here is so much more than that.
Numerous studies have shown that interactions with animals can significantly improve wellbeing for aged care residents. Animals provide comfort, reduce stress, and offer emotional connection without words. For those living with memory loss or limited mobility, animals like Lily can evoke memories, inspire gentle movements, or simply bring a moment of joy.
For residents who may have had to leave behind beloved pets when they moved into care, Lily helps fill that emotional gap. Her gentle, consistent presence helps make Finley Regional Care feel more like home – a place of warmth, life, and love.
A culture of care and connection
At Finley Regional Care, we’re proud of the community we’ve built — and Lily is very much part of that culture. She reminds us daily of the power of small, quiet moments. A nuzzle. A purr. A shared sunbeam.
In her own unique way, Lily contributes to the care we provide. She doesn’t just live here, she belongs here. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
So next time you visit Finley Regional Care, keep an eye out for a flash of white fur or a set of watchful green eyes. Lily will be around – watching, snoozing, being company for someone, or simply being her wonderful, whiskered self.
