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 at age 21
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.”
Family time at the beach.
Love the Life You Choose
A Summerset serviced apartment is a blessing for families who worry about security and house upkeep when their parents can no longer fully take care of themselves.
Each large, one-bedroom apartment features an ensuite as well as a separate living area with kitchenette, which residents can make their own. Residents lives don’t change just because they have moved into a serviced apartment, they can continue to host their guests and even bring their pets. Serviced apartments are about enabling residents to live their best life.
For more information about Summerset Retirement Villages Serviced Apartments, call 0800 334 442 or visit summerset.co.nz/servicedapartments
