Life, friendship & love at Marcus Loane House residential aged care home in Warriewood
As we get older, it can take a little more effort to meet new people and stay connected. Research from Monash University shows that up to 30% of Australians experience loneliness at some point. But the same research found that when people have regular opportunities to connect – to share a laugh, join an activity, or spend time with others – it can make all the difference.
That’s the feeling you get at Marcus Loane House residential aged care home in Warriewood. Friends say hello to each other by name, neighbours laugh together over a game of dominoes, and families are always welcome to visit and join in the fun. Friday Happy Hour is full of music and laughter, the café regularly hums with conversation, and there’s no shortage of ways to connect with others.
In this article, residents, families and staff share how life at Marcus Loane House turns strangers into friends, and how those friendships can make each day feel richer, warmer and full of love.
From a seat at the table to a friend for life
At Marcus Loane House, friendships can begin in the simplest ways. For Barbara and Beryl, it started when they found themselves sitting opposite each other at lunch. After a few quick remarks and a shared laugh,they realised they saw the world much the same way – especially when it came to their sense of humour. “We both have the same warped sense of humour… we just clicked at the table together,” Barbara says.
From then on, their friendship bloomed easily. They’d see each other around the home, join in on activities together, and spend time talking in between. Whether it’s over morning tea or just sitting nearby, they found comfort in knowing the other is never too far away.
One of their regular catch-ups is at the dominoes table (but always playing for fun – never for competition!) “We don’t get serious over things,” Barbara says. “We’d rather have fun.”
Beryl says it’s rare to find that kind of connection later in life. “At this stage in your life, it’s very good that we have met one another. We’ve become good friends… we just seem to know.”
Marcus Loane Care Supervisor Abby noticed how naturally their friendship flourished too. “Some people spend all their life looking for their dearest friend… and they have found each other here.”
But it’s not only friendship that grows within these walls; sometimes love finds its way in, too. Lifestyle Coordinator Elena recalls a couple, Don and Lucy, who first met in the café, and now, they’re inseparable.
“They do everything together,” she says. “They go for a little walk and they come back and they have lunch. Then they meet in the afternoon… all the time they’re together.”
Whether it’s over coffee, a game, or a shared table at lunch, these everyday moments and opportunities for connection are where friendships, and sometimes more, take root.
Social life that brings people together
There’s always something to look forward to at Marcus Loane House. Fridays are a highlight for many residents. By mid-afternoon, the tables in the lounge are set with snacks, drinks are poured, and music starts playing. Happy Hour is a chance for residents to catch up, laugh, and join in a sing-along (if the mood strikes).
Elena says, “One of our most popular activities is every Friday afternoon… happy hour. Lots of fun and frivolity and singing… relatives come in too, so it’s a lovely experience for residents and their family members.” You’ll find Barbara and Beryl there most weeks, and Elena already knows their drink orders before they ask. “They come here every Friday… I know what they drink,” she says with a smile.
There’s also the popular Men’s Group that meets each week in the billiards room, playing a few games over a beer and some snacks, with plenty of conversation in between. And, after seeing how much the men enjoyed having their own catch-up, a friendship group was started just for the ladies upstairs. It’s become another easy way to bring people together, and a good example of how activities here grow out of what residents want.
There’s also plenty more on the social calendar like bus trips, cultural talks, flower arranging, book club, piano sessions, sing-alongs, and the mobile library – but nothing is ever compulsory. As Elena says, “If they don’t want to do something, we don’t do it… but always we try to make sure they do something they like.”
Families are part of the picture
Family visits are part of the daily rhythm at Marcus Loane. There’s no need to book weeks ahead or fit into a rigid schedule; families can drop in for lunch whenever they’d like, join happy hour on a Friday, or sit together in the café over coffee and cake.
Carrie, whose mum and dad both live here, appreciates how families are always invited to join in. “You can just pop in… you always feel welcomed.”
Her parents enjoy the gardens and level walking paths, and when she visits, there’s always somewhere to spend time together, whether it’s a stroll outside, a chat in the lounge, or gathering for special occasions like her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary in the Marcus Loane café. “They’re living,” she says. “They’re doing things they enjoy… and we can join in too.”
Elena, from the lifestyle team, says it’s common to see relatives pulled into a game of dominoes or helping with a flower arrangement. “We encourage family to be part of things… to come in, have lunch, join in with the activities.” For residents, it adds another layer to the friendships and routines they already have, weaving family life naturally into the week.
A home that’s like family
Like family, Marcus Loane House is a place where you’re known, cared for, and welcomed without question. Families can drop in any time, connections grow naturally, and there’s always someone to share the day with.
“We can never replace a family,” says Abby, “but we become an extension of theirs. When you walk in the front door, you’re invited into a family that will look after you.” And just like family, there’s always room for more – a new friend at the lunch table, a partner met over coffee, or a neighbour who becomes an important part of your life. At Marcus Loane House, no one has to spend their days alone if they don’t want to.
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Information Pack: Marcus Loane House
Marcus Loane House residential aged care Warriewood FAQs
What is daily life like at Marcus Loane in Warriewood?
Life here moves at your pace. You choose how to spend your day, whether that’s joining a group outing or activity, relaxing in your room, catching up with friends, or enjoying some time in the garden.
What social activities and outings can you do at Marcus Loane residential aged care?
There’s a lot to choose from – games, live music, happy hour, BBQs, church services, and bus trips. Some days are busy, others are quieter, and you can join in as much or as little as you like.
Does Marcus Loane in Warriewood have gardens or outdoor areas?
Yes. The home wraps around courtyards and gardens, with balconies and terraces that make it easy to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
How often can family and friends visit Marcus Loane?
Family and friends are welcome anytime. Many join in on activities like happy hour or come for lunch, so visits feel relaxed and part of everyday life.
Can I choose my daily routine in residential aged care?
Marcus Loane follows Anglicare’s Rhythm of Life philosophy, which means your routines, preferences, and habits are valued and supported.
How do I arrange a tour of Marcus Loane residential aged care?
You can call Anglicare on 1300 111 278 or visit anglicare.org.au/marcus-loane to book a tour. The team will show you around, answer your questions and help you get a feel for the home.
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Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.