Publish date: 2 February 2026
When Ron arrived at Bethanie Como for a five-week respite stay, he wasn’t just stepping into an aged care home – he was stepping into a lived experience he already knew well.
Ron’s wife has been living with dementia for several years and now resides in care herself. Following a fractured kneecap that left him using a wheelchair, Ron found himself experiencing aged care from the inside, as a resident not a visitor.
And what he discovered reassured him.
Ron playing Piano at Bethanie
A warm welcome to respite care at Bethanie Como
From the moment he arrived, Ron says he felt genuinely welcomed. Greeted by our Facility Manager and shown to his room – complete with balcony and ensuite – his first impressions were reassuring.
“It didn’t feel clinical or rushed ,” Ron recalls. “People took the time to welcome me properly.”
That sense of being seen and supported continued throughout his stay, whether it was during meals, daily routines, or simply stopping for a chat.
Everyday life, shared
Ron describes daily life at Bethanie Como as full and engaging. Activities were well attended, thoughtfully run, and encouraged residents to participate in ways that suited them.
As a pianist, Ron was delighted to discover grand pianos on each level of the home – and even more delighted to be invited to play.
“I made friends on every floo r,” he says. “Music has a way of bringing people together. ”
Meals were another highlight: generous, delicious, nutritious, and clearly prepared with thought. And even the occasional change to personal routine, such as showering after breakfast, was handled with flexibility and respect.
Seeing care through a different lens
Having spent years supporting his wife, Rob says his time at Bethanie Como gave him a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and compassion required to provide quality care every day.
“It was enlightening to experience what life is like as a resident ,” he reflects. “You really come to understand the humanity in it – that everyone is just living their lives. ”
He also noticed the strong sense of connection across staff, residents, and visitors, supported by shared activities, visiting school children and musicians, a choice of faith services, and moments of conversation.
Ron’s advice for anyone considering aged care services
When asked what he would say to someone thinking about aged care services, either for themselves or a loved one, Ron doesn’t hesitate to encourage people to take the next step.
“Participate in activities – get to know people from day one. Being part of everyday life is so important. And there’s so much to be part of. Everyone is so welcoming .”
Ron’s advice for new residents:
- - Join in activities early
- - Connect with staff and other residents
- - Keep an open mind
- - Make the most of shared spaces and routines
Looking back on his five weeks at Bethanie Como, Ron says it gave him something deeply important: reassurance.
Like many loved one and family members, Ron leaves his wife at the end of each visit, trusting others to care for her when he cannot be there. Living the experience of aged care gave him a clearer understanding of what happens beyond those moments of ‘goodbye’.
For Ron, seeing aged care from the inside didn’t change how he felt – it confirmed it. That care is real, that people are treated with dignity, and that life continues with warmth, connection, and meaning.
More information about respite care at Bethanie Como
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What is respite care?
Respite care provides short-term residential support in an aged care home, giving carers a break while offering high-quality care to the resident. -
Where is Bethanie Como located?
Bethanie Como is located in the heart of Como, within Perth, just off the freeway. Easily accessible from both North and South Metro.
