A big heart with a little bit of mischief: Freddie’s story

Everyone at Sacred Heart Community knows Freddie Lim by his nickname.

“Nuisance,” he says with a laugh.

The name comes from his habit of constantly asking staff to take him outside for a cigarette. “I’m a bloody nuisance for the nurses,” he jokes. But behind the humour is a man whose life has been filled with rich experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and more than a few challenges.

Before arriving at Sacred Heart Community eight months ago, Freddie had spent years moving between hospitals and care facilities. “It was a bit of a relief coming here,” he recalls. “This was the seventh place they moved me to in seven weeks. They kept transferring me from hospital to hospital, and then they said I could have a permanent spot here.”

“In the hospital, there’s so many people. There’s always somebody beside you. Whereas here, I was actually left alone. I could have a bit of peace!”

Time has passed quickly since Freddie settled in. “I’ve been here eight months,” he says. “And the reason I remember eight months is because I’ve had two haircuts.”

Life at Sacred Heart has given Freddie a sense of community during a period when his world had become much smaller. Living with chronic pain and increasing dependence on others has not been easy for someone who once ran successful businesses and travelled extensively across South-eastern Australia.

“I can live with the pain,” Freddie says. “What I can’t wrap my head around is depending on people.”

Yet Sacred Heart has surrounded him with people who make that dependence easier to accept. Among them is Tammy, a staff member Freddie describes as “unbelievable.” He admires her energy, her kindness, and the effort she puts into making residents feel included. Whether decorating for celebrations or helping organise activities, Freddie sees her as someone who genuinely cares.

It was Tammy who introduced him to Harry, a volunteer who visits every Wednesday.

The two spend hours talking about everything from engineering and business to world politics and history. For Freddie, whose curiosity remains as strong as ever, these conversations have become a highlight of the week. “He keeps me active in my mind,” Freddie says.

Other close friendships have formed among the smokers who gather outside to share stories, jokes, and companionship.

When one resident, Paul, passed away, Freddie attended his memorial service. Remembering Paul’s generosity, he brought a cigarette case he had bought for him and asked for it to be placed with him in his final resting place.

“In case he wakes up and wants a smoke,” Freddie told the priest.

The gesture reflected the quiet bonds that develop within Sacred Heart Community. Residents build deep connections through shared experiences and looking out for one another.

While Freddie often reflects on his past – his years running wholesale businesses, raising a family, and building a life in Australia – he remains deeply engaged with the present. He spends his days reading business and international news, discussing world affairs, sharing stories with staff and residents, and, of course, enjoying coffee and cigarettes.

“My advice to new residents? Respect the staff,” he says. “The staff here are very, very conscientious. And attentive, I think. And I’ve got a sharp mouth – I can’t help myself. I’ve always got to poke the bear.”

Freddie’s quick wit and remarkable memory have made him a much-loved figure at Sacred Heart Community. And although he has no plans to stop poking the bear or demanding to go out for cigarette breaks, no one ever wants him to change.