The Three Sisters

Growing up in Sydney from the age of 4, our family would often drive to the Blue Mountains on a weekend for an outing. My father drove, my mother sat in the front, next to him and we three daughters would share the back seat.

I loved going to the Blue Mountains, a favourite tourist spot for visitors to Sydney. It seemed to hold a special place in our hearts, with the Three Sisters standing tall at Echo Point, Katoomba. The Three Sisters is essentially an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone.



The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. As children though, we just thought of them as representing us!

Recently I was asked to assess an elderly lady at a local nursing home. She was having difficulty swallowing. I found her very amiable, easy to talk to and appreciative of a swallowing assessment, to alleviate her discomfort eating and drinking. During our conversation, she said she had 2 sisters. Ah, something we had in common. Not only that, but her two sisters were also at the same nursing home. That, we didn’t have in common!

She seemed reassured knowing her sisters were not far away and clearly, they had a special bond together. There are so many wonderful aged care facilities now going above and beyond, doing their best to connect families with their loved ones in care and to create activities that are culturally aware and provide opportunities for special food and drinks to be enjoyed.

Our priority is to ensure that every person in care, at home or in a care facility, eats and drinks safely and comfortably, with the best education on that safety and comfort. Knowing how to manage a swallowing difficulty reassures the carer and the loved one.

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