The comfort of community
Jean was only 61 when she and her husband Reg moved into Carinity’s newly opened retirement village, Wishart Gardens. Now, almost 30 years later, Jean is proud to be one of the original residents who still call the village home.
“My husband and I wanted to have a sense of safety and community as we grew older so that our family would know we were okay,” Jean said.
“We looked at it as a decision that we wanted to make for ourselves before we grew old. Our children are scattered across the place and there are no grandkids, so moving here seemed like the sensible and logical thing to do.
“Of course, it didn’t hurt that the village offered a low maintenance lifestyle, so we no longer had to worry about the upkeep on our old high set timber house!”
Jean said that while she and her husband enjoyed many happy and independent years in retirement, it was the support they received towards the end of Reg’s life that really made them appreciate their decision to move to Wishart Gardens.
“What’s unique about our village is that we have residential aged care located on the same property,” Jean said.
“When my husband needed full-time care, it was a smooth transition. He was familiar with the place, he was familiar with the staff, they knew him.
“It was perfect really, because it can be very difficult and frightening for couples in this situation where one person needs to be taken into care somewhere else.
“However, we were very fortunate. There are roughly 500 steps from where I live to where he was. We went to the Friday morning church services here together and I could visit him every day. I would just walk over and be part of the furniture really.
“The care Reg received was exceptional and this gave me tremendous peace of mind.”
These days, Jean continues to lead an active and fulfilling life in the retirement village.
“There’s a lovely sense of community here, it’s never boring. I’ve got neighbours and friends and activities and things that we can do so I don’t have any sense of isolation or loneliness,” she said.
“It’s been very reassuring for my children to know that I’m safe and part of this wonderful community.
“Music has always been a major part of my life. I’ve sung in choirs and was part of a gospel trio for many years, and I continue to share my music by playing piano at the weekly church service.
“It’s mainly for the residents in care, but some of the independent folk come too. It’s a very meaningful time for people to come together, especially those who aren’t physically able to get to church.
“I also host a support group in my home once a month, which we call the Friendship Circle. They call me the matriarch because I’m the oldest, and we just get together and have a really great time.”
When asked what advice she had for people considering moving into a retirement village, Jean was emphatic in her response.
“Do it sooner rather than later. Move while you’re still active and well so you can establish and settle into your lifestyle before facing any potentially difficult decisions later on,” she said.
“I would absolutely recommend Wishart Gardens and have never for one moment regretted making this village my home. I’m blessed to have been here so long as it’s a great place to be.”
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