A Life Well Lived with Alzheimer’s – Norm’s Story

At 98 years old, Norm was able to live a full and independent life at home. This was only possible thanks to the strong supports put in place by the Avivo Meadow Springs team. Norm was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014.

Although Norm’s recollection of his life stories wasn’t what it used to be, his fantastic Support Workers captured many of his prominent memories. They frequently shared these stories with him, helping Norm stay connected to his rich and colourful history.

Early Life

Norm was born on 6 August 1927 in Victoria, NSW. His parents were not married, and due to the social norms of the time, unmarried mothers often had their babies taken at birth. Sadly, Norm was separated from his parents and placed in a boys’ home in Victoria, where he remained until he turned 16.

His mother never approved for him to be adopted, even though the opportunity was presented. Much later in life, Norm discovered he had a brother and sister, whom he kept in contact with. He loved sharing stories about his brother Bill.

Despite the hardship, Norm had fond memories of growing up in the boys’ home, especially with his mate Clive. The two got up to all kinds of mischief in class and on Sundays at church. Norm would laugh as he recalled flicking coins out of the collection bag. “We were giving to the poor,” Norm would say. “Us.”

They used the money for lunch or lollies — a welcome change from the undercooked tripe and onions often served at the home.

Norm was also an avid long-distance bike rider, regularly completing 100 km rides. Clothing was very different back then; to stay warm, they would grease their bodies and line their clothes with brown paper.

Life in the Navy

At around 16 or 17, Norm left the boys’ home and joined the Navy. He loved being paid to travel the world and enjoyed the much better food — no more tripe.

Norm spent 12 years in the Australian Navy. He told stories of visiting Hiroshima shortly after the atomic bomb was dropped and being deployed to Antarctica as part of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. During this expedition, he fell into icy water and spent the next 24 hours being carefully looked after in sick bay. Norm would say it was wonderful being warm and well fed.

He met his first wife while still in the Navy, and together they had four children — three daughters and one son. Norm joked that he managed to have a boy after three girls by “pulling the blinds up and letting the son shine in.”

After the Navy

After leaving the Navy, Norm joined the Postmaster General (PMG), which later became Australia Post and Telecom (now Telstra). He drove trucks to mine sites across Western Australia, carting cables and wires for new mining towns — along with the occasional bit of contraband freight.

He later became head of the motorcycle fleet, keeping posties on their toes with his strict checks to ensure every bike was up to spec

Love of His Life

Norm and his first wife eventually separated, and he later married the love of his life, June. They spent 50 wonderful years together before her passing. They travelled extensively in their caravan, although Norm’s memories of these adventures faded over time.

They retired in Maylands, where Norm took great pride in his car and gardens — even tending the gardens at the Maylands Hotel, where a beer was considered acceptable payment.

Later, Norm formed a new relationship with Dot from the RAFFA village. He always said she couldn’t resist his charms, often joking that he was “God’s gift to women.” Dot was a wonderful companion and kept Norm socially active. She passed away in 2025, and Avivo increased supports from that point.

Present Day

As Norm’s dementia progressed, he required assistance with all daily tasks. He received support 2–3 times a day from his daughter, Avivo, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports included meals, drinks, laundry, domestic cleaning, medication prompts, personal care, and more. With these supports, Norm was able to remain in his own home and live life the way he wanted.

A DVA physiotherapist helped rebuild his strength, and Norm proudly said he was “back to pumping weights.”

Norm loved being involved in any event offered. He participated in Avivo’s SilVR Adventures, revisiting places from his past through virtual reality — his first stop was Japan. He attended the For-Get-Me-Not Memory Café, always sharing laughs and leaving a lasting impression. His life story has even been published in two books.

Every Wednesday, Avivo took Norm to the RAFFA clubhouse for a beer and a chat. Everyone knew him, and Norm would wave or say hello, then remark, “Haven’t got a clue who they are, but obviously they know me.”

He loved his mighty West Coast Eagles and watching the footy.

Even as walking became harder, Norm still enjoyed short outings — especially if coffee and a chocolate éclair were involved.

Final Chapter

Norm transitioned into an aged care facility two months before his 99th birthday. He passed away two days later in June 2026.

Norm will always hold a special place within the Avivo family. As we always said:

Norm may not remember what he’s done or where he’s been, but his spirited character still shines through. The twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face reveal a life well lived.