Meet Alan Buxton – RSL LifeCare resident and World War II veteran

103-year-old RSL LifeCare resident Alan Buxton has led a life of courage and service. His father served in World War I, and Alan followed in his footsteps by serving in World War II until his retirement in 1944. 

After retiring from military service, Alan was dedicated to raising a family with his late wife, Marie. He experienced the pride and anxiety of having two sons serve in the Vietnam war and the honour of walking his two daughters down the aisle. More recently, he has had the joy of watching three generations of his grandchildren grow.  

For the last 33 years, Alan has called Rowland Village home, and for the last four years, he has used the RSL LifeCare Home Care service to help him continue to live his best life.  

For Alan, living a great life means contributing to the community. Alan has always volunteered for many great causes throughout the years. Since moving to Rowland Village, he has given his time generously to make it a wonderful place to live. He has taken up roles as Treasurer of the Residents Committee, been active in the Gardening Club, Finance Committee and Fellowship Prayer Group. Alan also manages the Remembrance Book and is a cherished member of the local RSL sub-branch. The energy and effort that Alan puts into Rowland Village makes it a vibrant and supportive community for all. 

The RSL LifeCare Home Care service has been a valued part of Alan’s life in the village. It provides Alan with care and companionship and is instrumental in supporting Alan’s ongoing independence. Alan describes Home Care as a “wonderful service” and his Home Care ladies as “lovely people.” They assist Alan with cleaning his house, shopping and hanging his clothes on the line. Reduced mobility and balance are an inevitable part of ageing. However, the Home Care service means that Alan can remain independent, well cared for and safe.   

While domestic support is vital, the Home Care service means much more to Alan. Losing his wife in 2017 left Alan without a much-loved and full-time companion. The regular check-ins from the Home Care team foster a deep sense of care and friendship. Each morning and afternoon, the Home Care team calls on Alan to assist with his medication and make sure he is safe and well. Their visits and calls are highlights for Alan, with him stating that he does greatly ” enjoy having a little chat with them as they come in and check on me”.  

The RSL LifeCare service is not just an add-on to the happiness and home he has found at Rowland Village. It is indispensable to his ongoing independence and involvement in the community he loves. With the help he receives, he can focus his energy on his volunteering roles and documenting his extraordinary life in his memoirs. The Home Care service ensures Alan has all he needs to continue enjoying his time with friends and family and achieve his treasured goal of living a good life.