Family blessings

 “When we decided to move to Auckland from the Kapiti Coast to be closer to family, our eldest daughter Ronny did some research, and selected several retirement villages she thought would suit us,” says Lorraine. “Our daughters have very full lives, and it was getting very difficult for them to find time to visit us, and they were concerned about us getting older with no support close by.”

“On an Open Day at Bupa Sunset Retirement Village both our daughters were impressed with the friendly atmosphere, the residents they met, and the fact that everything was under one roof,” says Lorraine. “They also loved the view from the apartment that was for sale, and the location was perfect as it was only 10 minutes from where our daughter Penny lived. Also important was that Blockhouse Bay village nearby had all the health facilities if needed, such as a doctor and dentist.” 

“The girls obviously liked all they saw as they put the deposit down and we bought it without having seen the apartment – only the video our daughter Sarah took when they visited on the open day!” laughs Lorraine.

“It was Mum and Dad’s decision to move to Auckland to be closer to family, and we supported their choice,” says daughter Penny. “We liked the location of Sunset Retirement Village; it was on the bus route and close to key amenities. We also liked that it was smaller than many of the other much larger retirement villages. The complex is all apartments with the carpark in the basement, so everything can be accessed without the need to go outside.”

“We also liked the well-maintained community areas and, if needed, there is a care home on site,” says Penny, who along with her sisters helped with relocating and setting up their parents’ new apartment at Sunset Retirement Village.  

“The [moving] process was very easy and supportive”, says Penny. “Mum and Dad received a lovely welcome pack when they arrived, and any issues they had were quickly resolved.” 

“It’s great to have Mum and Dad living in the same city as us. We can visit frequently, usually once a week, and they can see and enjoy their grandchildren who live in Auckland.”

“Living in an apartment is new for Mum and Dad, and they are enjoying the maintenance-free living,” says Penny. “Sunset offers independence, as well as security, in that if anything goes wrong there is backup. This could be from something needing to be fixed in the apartment, (which Mum and Dad tell us is usually sorted within a short period of time, by a great team), or any health issues they may have in the future.” 

“We love our apartment,” says Lorraine. “The residents here are all very friendly and the staff are just great. There are many activities provided, but we don’t feel any pressure to do anything we don’t wish to. We have the flexibility to join in, or not.”

“We have an excellent relationship with our family,” says Lorraine. “They usually visit once a week and take us out for coffee and to places of interest. The girls and I go to the movies, and they take us to any medical appointments we need – if they’re not able to, our grandchildren take us. We are well blessed with our family.”