Modern makeover for Freeman Court
In mid-2015 retirement home Freeman Court joined the Central North Island Habitat for Humanity (Habitat CNI) group.
Over the last 18 months a number of renovations have taken place to improve the living conditions for residents.
Habitat CNI operations manager Nathan Collins says the latest work has been to create rooms with en suite bathroom facilities — one of the requests they often fielded from potential residents.
It is the conclusion of the third stage of refurbishment — and last for some time.
“We are going to take a rest from the constant work and then reevaluate what next,” says Nathan.
“If there is a big demand, there is the option to convert more rooms in the future.”
Stage one was to refurbish the Bryant Wing, reception area and create a hair salon space.
Stage two was a new deck, scooter shed and improved outdoor area.
The third stage involved the original wing of the independent living facility.
Originally it was 12 single rooms, with two bathrooms and some storage.
Nine of the rooms were used to create six bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom.
Each en suite is half an original room, linked to the neighbouring bedroom. Each is an identical design with toilet, sink and walk-in shower.
The remaining three rooms now have one bathroom to share.
The wing also has a lounge, kitchenette and, for the first time, a staff room for storage, work and relaxation.
“Staff now have somewhere private for their belongings, paperwork and just for a cuppa,” says Nathan.
The whole wing received a makeover — new carpet, new curtains, new furnishings, lighter, brighter paint and upgraded lighting and fire system.
“It is an improved fire design to meet modern compliance standards,” says Nathan.
“It wasn’t bad before, it is just better now.”
He says there is a real community feel at Freeman Court, but if someone wants time to be by themselves, it is now even easier.
Nathan says the facility can take 38 residents, and now that work has finished there are vacancies in the refurbished wing. Staff welcome families to see if what has been achieved is what potential residents want.
To make an appointment to view, phone 871 5260.