How the right retirement village enabled mum to be mum again

Moving their mother became a priority for Muriel's children, as they no longer felt it was viable for her to live in a big house on her own without adequate support. But how would the idea of retirement village living sit with independent Muriel?

''I don't have to worry about her being on her own like I did at her house. A lot of pressure is off… we can just enjoy her company.''

Muriel loves her independence. As an active 95-year-old, she had never considered leaving her four-bedroom family home – the sanctuary where she had made memories.

However, with her health not what it used to be, it became apparent, at least to her children, that it was time to move to a place where she could access the best in healthcare, if or when she needed it.

Moving their mother became a priority for Muriel's children, as they no longer felt it was viable for her to live in a big house on her own without adequate support. They also worried she wouldn't be able to prepare healthy meals as she once had or be able to safely manage her home's upkeep.

It was time to downsize to a home that would give Muriel lifestyle options and complete healthcare services tailored to her needs.

The family would need to find somewhere that could truly become her home; a place where she would be surrounded by a like-minded community who don't see retirement as a means to an end, but rather, an opportunity to continue living life on their terms.

With this in mind, daughter-in-law Caren discovered Summerset Retirement Village, a community that fosters choice, lifestyle and independence among its residents, as well as high-quality, 24/7 healthcare services led by warm and caring professionals.

Muriel Had Found Her Sanctuary

Moving into a Summerset Retirement Village ensured Muriel kept her independence and got support when needed.

Her children also wanted to restore the balance, so Muriel could live somewhere she could manage and go back to being herself.

"I don't have to worry about her being on her own like I did at her house. A lot of pressure is off. We can enjoy her company and she can enjoy being a mum again," says Caren,

"When I came in, it was much nicer than I thought it was going to be," Muriel says.

Caren says the family is comforted knowing Muriel always has someone to talk to and can select the meals she wants when she chooses not to cook.

"I'm happy," says Caren. "She's in the right place."

Article take from nowtolove.co.nz, 23rd April 2019