There is no better feeling that seeing your loved one flourish in their new community. This story, from the grandson of one of our newest residents at The Wyldewoods, Chester, encapsulates that moment when you know your family has made the right decision.
First Impressions
I was initially nervous when my grandmother moved into Wyldewoods Retirement Village. It was not lost on me that moving out of a long-term home and making her own way was going to be tough. A new location, new faces, and a new style of life is always daunting. Wydlewoods made the transition as painless as we could have hoped it to be.
Even before she had moved in, the staff had made an effort to keep her involved and up to date with everything that was going on. Everyone on the team knew her name and knew the family, with all the unique challenges that went along with it. Despite only visiting once before she moved in, Kelly greeted me personally, knew what university I was going to, and my relation to Thelma. The personal touch made such a difference within the whole family – an effort was made to integrate not just Thelma but the whole family, which really helped in a necessarily significant transition into a new life.
"It is deeply encouraging to see Thelma choosing to do more activities than she ever has before. "
The village provides a huge number of activities for residents. Within the site, the gym offers the opportunity to develop physical health in a low-risk environment and classes allow them to do more from the comfort of their own community. Frankly, I am even a bit jealous of the bar in the centre of the site! I appreciate the fact that though, of course, a number of activities are on offer there is no compulsion to attend. I think my grandmother has really benefitted from the healthy balance of encouragement and optionality. It is deeply encouraging to see Thelma choosing to do more activities than she ever has before.
The importance of independence
Though the staff and company have spent a long time cultivating a real sense of community and camaraderie within the village, there are also clear connections to the wider community and environment. Practically, the park-and-ride bus makes getting into Chester a doddle. Residents, even those with limited mobility, can take advantage of these travel links easily - frequenting the honestly terrifying number of coffee shops in the city, the local community centre, and posh cinema! Especially for my grandmother, who cannot drive, this marked improvement in her independence cannot be understated in significance.
"More independent and more personally integrated into a community than she ever has been before"
Though Thelma has only been here for 6 weeks, the difference is significant. She is more independent and more personally integrated into a community than she ever has been before. It has not been - and never could have been - a fairytale transition into an idyllic new life, but what is important is that the support, the facilities, and the genuine care that Wydlewoods have provided have given the family faith that she can live happily here. It is telling that my mother is already planning for when she can move into another Retirement Villages property!
Finding your home at The Wyldewoods
The Wyldewoods is a purpose-built retirement community near Chester, Cheshire. With a range of beautiful apartments for sale and to rent, a selection of communal facilities, and a calendar of social activities and events, our community offers a wonderful mix of independence and community.
Find out more about The Wyldewoods and book your personal tour here.
#GenerationJoy #GreatCommunitiesAmazingLives
