They feel now is the time to take a step back and have the flexibility to spend more time with their family, including their parents and extended family in Melbourne and their young grandchildren.

The couple is retiring after 17 years at Pineview Residential Care – a place perhaps most well-known for spectacular Christmas lights and displays.

Mr Cotronea said the gradual hand-over to new owners and the move to retire had been nerve-wracking because they had been a part of so many people’s lives for so long.

“It will be a huge change for us. Even when you go home or are on holidays, you feel a huge responsibility and accountability – your mind is always there,” Mr Cotronea said. “It has always been so important to us that residents feel content, comfortable and safe. For us, we’ve always taken a more hands-on and personal approach. We care how we expect and would want to be treated.”

While this has often, been at the expense of spending time with their own family, the Cotronea’s have become a big part of so many other families. 

The Cotroneas hosted an emotional farewell celebration with residents and their families to say thank you.

They still have about a fortnight to officially hand over the business to new owners, who they feel will maintain the same family-orientated style in care.

Mr Cotronea said the business had predominantly relied on word-of-mouth referrals, including those from hospitals, general practitioners and suppliers. 

“It makes you feel good to get up in the morning when you’re working together with such great community support,” Mr Cotronea said. 

There has been lots of industry changes during the time the Cotroneas have spent working in aged care, but they felt the focus was still very much about treating residents with the dignity and top care they deserved.

The Cotroneas plan to remain strongly involved in community work in their retirement.