Moving to Peacehaven “the best decision”
Moving out of the home he’d lived in for 50 years and into a cottage at Peacehaven is the best decision Doug Johnstone reckons he’s ever made. The 90-year-old has lived in his cottage for nearly 13 years and loves it.
The cosy home is warm, comfortable, and inviting, and gives him the freedom to live well, he says.
“I love it. I can come and go as I like. It’s the best thing I’ve done.”
While his body isn’t as mobile as it once was, Doug hasn’t let that stop him from enjoying all that Peacehaven has to offer. He’s a regular at the cards and Housie sessions, and loves a game of table bowls.
The regular concerts held at the village are also a drawcard and he’s particularly fond of the frequent van trips residents are invited on.
“We’ve been to Bluff, Riverton, Te Anau, Curio Bay, Gore, Winton, just to name a few. We stop and have a look around, and a cup of tea or coffee, it’s good fun.” Life at the village is never boring, he reckons.
“There’s always plenty to do.”
You can often find him looking through the onsite library for some of his favourite Westerns to read, or having a coffee in the Elms Café. Not only is the coffee and food top notch, but the staff are friendly and welcoming, he says.
In fact, all the staff at the village are amazing, often going above and beyond for their residents, making sure they are looked after, comfortable, and happy.
“That’s what makes the place, the staff.”
While he has the ability to cook his own meals, four times a week Doug heads to the dining hall for lunch. The food is delicious and it’s a good chance to talk with other residents.
He’s also a firm fan of Thursday Roast Day at the Elms Café. And then there are the days Seafood Chowder is on the menu – that’s also a favourite.
His unit is cosy and warm, and unlike the house he previously lived in where he had to cart coal for heat, often not bothering because the physical effort was too taxing, conditions at the village are designed for optimum comfort.
“Moving in here was a really great thing. You don’t have to worry about the heat, or the cold, the heating is there, all the time, whenever you need it. If I had stayed in my house I don’t think I would have survived.”
His family are regular visitors, and the space he has in the cottage means he can accommodate them as needed. Even finding and securing the unit was easy – he made the decision to move, and three months later he was in. “I’d recommend Peacehaven to anyone.”