Wendy is sitting in her comfy lounge chair.
A collection of five paintings hang on the wall behind her – a reminder of past trips to London and Paris, and fond memories of Montmartre.
Wendy moved into Wesley House in June 2024.
“I absolutely love it. I feel it is my home,” says Wendy.
“I had my life planned. I knew, when the time was right, I was coming here.”
When Wendy began to experience some mobility and balance issues, she spoke to Margaret Richards, Coordinator of Retirement Living, about making the move.
“She helped me get into my first place at McCutcheon Grove and now here. She’s been marvellous.”
Wendy enjoys bingo, keep fit, bowls, crosswords and the gardening group. She also enjoys an outing with close friend, Mary.
“We go to the pub for lunch and then come back to the café here for coffee and cake.”
Her daughter, Lisa, is also a frequent visitor.
Wendy and her daughter, Lisa
Wendy and Lisa are full of praise for the staff at Wesley House.
“The community is beautiful. I think the nurses and carers are amazing,” says Wendy.
“Everyone is great,” adds Lisa.
“The ladies who do the washing and cleaning. The people who prepare the food. The maintenance guy.”
“I think the best thing was that Mum got to make the decision herself, rather than having a fall or health issue and being forced to come in. That would be traumatic.
“It was good to have the time to choose what to bring, like mum’s cupboard,” she says as she pulls open a drawer. The drawer contains a menagerie of bits and bobs – “just like home.”
“The best thing is knowing that Mum is safe,” says Lisa.
“She is living her best life and my brothers and I know that she’s so happy and totally cared for.”
And with all that in hand, Wendy and Lisa can focus on enjoying life – going on outings to the opera, the ballet, and spending quality time together.