Life is full of changes and retirement is certainly no different. But like every stage reassessing our priorities is the key to making that change a positive experience rather than a negative one. A change in health for instance is one of the main motivators for prioritising a plan for more support, care and security. Whilst most of us would never admit to taking good health for granted, it’s often not until we experience our first real health scare that we’re prepared to consider moving from our family home. But it’s never a decision made lightly.
We talked with retired Cantabrians about their decision to move to the new Holly Lea Retirement Village in Fendalton.
|
Making the move a positive one –
Wyn and Dot Fairclough
“Leaving your family home is one of the hardest things you ever have to do! In fact it’s something we left about 3 years too long. We just kept dilly-dallying and trying to hang on. When I broke my ankle, we needed more help around the house and garden. We tried to arrange it all ourselves from home, but we needed help 365 days. We found people come and go, need holidays and sick leave, so in the end it was the support that helped us decide on moving.
We liked Holly Lea immediately, and chose our apartment for its spaciousness and outlook. We enjoy the beautiful lawns and gardens here, but don’t have to think about the maintenance of them - or cooking the evening meal if we don’t’ feel like it. It suits our way of life spot on.
It’s close to our clubs (bowls and bridge), and the shopping areas that we’re familiar with. We are very happy with our two bedroom apartment (plus a sunroom where our grand-daughter stays once a week). The help is absolutely outstanding and very close at hand. The residents are marvelous at making you feel welcome. We do our own breakfast and lunches in our apartment, and usually go down to the dining room five or six times a week.
We carry on the life we had before we moved to Holly Lea. Wyn drives, goes to bowls three afternoons a week, and I’m at bridge two afternoons. But it’s very reassuring to have help at hand whenever it’s needed.” |
Independence and caring rolled into one –
Myrcine Tripp
“When you lose your husband, you have to become very independent. Peter passed away fifteen years ago now, and I lived alone in our Helmores Lane home and then in Clissold Street. Despite my gammy legs, I still like to be independent. I had heard that the Holly Lea was being built, so I rang them myself. I liked the idea of getting in before my family told me it was time!
I’ve been at Holly Lea for 15 months now, and I just love it! The size and width of the apartments are tremendous. I’ve seen a lot of other retirement villages and in my opinion this is the best Christchurch has to offer. When you have your own apartment you still feel you have your independence. But if you need help you just push the bell and they come. It’s amazing!
I don’t think people should leave it too late to make the move to Holly Lea. Just be prepared to come and enjoy the company, and everything there is to offer.”
|
|
When is the right time to move? –
Geoff Tylee-Porter, CEO of Holly Lea
“Residents without exception tell me they wish they’d made the move sooner! They enjoy every stage of retirement at Holly Lea. They come and go as they please, with the knowledge that help is at hand 24/7. If at any point a higher level of care is required, they can remain in their own apartment or studio, where staff can come to them. It’s not necessary to transfer to a separate ‘rest home wing’ like many villages.
Holly Lea is such a gracious and spacious environment, so downsizing from your family home doesn’t mean compromising a quality lifestyle or independence. It does however free you up from property maintenance, provide security and support when needed, and gives you more time to enjoy retirement. Making the move now means you can be in before the winter.”
|
