Margaret - I fell in love with a retirement scheme

 

Where were you living before moving to the retirement scheme and what made you decide to move?

I was living in a one bed flat in Netley, but after my husband passed away, I found getting down the stairs to my flat hard to manage on my own, and often felt quite stuck there. I didn’t see many people and felt lonely at times, so last March, I decided it was time to move. 

 

How was the move into your home?

The scheme manager was a huge help when moving into the retirement scheme. I was unsure about moving into a retirement flat at first, but the scheme manager convinced me to have a look around, and I fell in love with it. 

 

As my daughter was due to be going away for a while, Saxon Weald managed to get everything sorted quickly and I moved in within a week. 

 

What was the best thing about moving into your new home?

The security. When I lived on my own, I used to get worried about every little noise, especially at night-time. Now I feel safe and secure even when I’m on my own. 

 

I’m now closer to my daughter, and I was raised only a few streets away, so I feel like I’ve come home. 

 

What about your new neighbours?

The people at the scheme have helped me settle in so well. Everyone makes you feel welcome. They are so helpful and there is always someone around to help if I have a problem. People don’t realise how much it helps to have that support around. 

 

What does ‘home’ mean to you?

My home means a lot. I have memories of my husband all around me and pictures of my children. I have my own home where no one bothers me, but I know someone’s there if I need them. This is my lifeline now and without this retirement scheme, I’d be lost. 

 

How would you describe your style and décor?

Motherly! I have my ornaments, keepsakes, and pictures all around me. I love doing jigsaws (especially 1000-piece ones) and recently completed one of my family.