Elderly want a ‘vibrant’ village

Marlborough seniors hope a $100 million Summerset retirement village coming to Blenheim will have a ‘‘vibrant community hub’’.

Two focus groups of 16 Marlburians, aged 75 and over, were conducted in May by an independent research company on behalf of the retirement village company.

The focus group participants commented that they wanted a ‘‘vibrant community hub’’ in the complex with community facilities, such as a resident lounge, kitchen and an outdoor area to enjoy the Marlborough weather.

‘‘People told us they are looking for a ‘vibrant community hub’,’’ said Summerset chief executive Julian Cook.

‘‘They would like to have community facilities where they can be with fellow residents, friends and family.’’

Retirement Villages Association executive director John Collyns said a sense of community was essential in retirement villages.

Collyns said while Summerset would add to Blenheim’s retirement options, he did not necessarily think the town was lacking in villages with ‘‘heart’’.

‘‘Most of the Blenheim villages are a little bit older than average so consequently they may not be as smart in appearance as what a new village is,’’ Collyns said.

‘‘That’s less important than the vibe of the village – it’s all about the community, [and] we know that older villages will often have a great strong sense of community.’’

The Blenheim Summerset village will be located on six hectares, over the former Jones Berry Fruits property on Old Renwick Rd.

A Summerset spokesperson said focus group participants also commented on a lack of choice in retirement homes in Blenheim. ‘‘Interviewees said they were stymied by a lack of quality retirement living options in Blenheim,’’ the spokesperson said. ‘‘This caused people to look at moving out of the area or put off moving into a retirement village entirely.’’

The spokesperson said the land settlement took place on August 1, but there was no date for building to commence, as resource consents were still required.

The village would offer approximately 200 independent living homes, with a mixture of serviced apartments, two and three bedroom villas, and rest home and hospital level care.

It would also include a memory care centre, a secure facility for residents with dementia, to provide a continuum of care for residents.

New Zealand Aged Care Association chief executive Simon Wallace said his research showed that customers expected a continuum of care from a retirement village.

‘‘Customers are expecting the option, as their health deteriorates to move into a care facility,’’ Wallace said.

‘‘They would generally prefer not to have to move again.’’

Cook said the research feedback was valuable to the company and would go towards plans for the Blenheim Summerset village.

An opening date could not yet be provided.