A lifeline for over-60s
NOW that social distancing rules are being relaxed all over the UK, we should spare a thought for those who must continue self-isolating for several weeks. It’s something medical experts acknowledge is having a big impact on people’s mental health, both young and old, although older people living in retirement developments have a lifeline not available to many other over-60s: dedicated staff.
At Churchill Retirement Living’s Ash Lodge development in Walton-on-Thames, for instance, manager David Candy has set up his own TV station to keep residents entertained and in touch with events.
Every apartment’s television is linked to the front door CCTV monitor, so David modified the system to broadcast Ash Lodge’s own internal TV from a camera in his office.
“I felt we needed to make all our owners feel less isolated and to give them something to look forward to as regularly as possible, reassuring those who have to stay in their apartments that they are not alone,” says David.
“It has made a lot of people feel less isolated. I can now show videos, DVDs and films as well as play music from a record player and CD player with voice-overs when required.
“People can also call in with their queries and questions, which I answer on air.”
David’s efforts have been praised by residents, who say he and his wife Heather are always coming up with ideas to improve their quality of life at Ash Lodge, a collection of 59 one and two-bedroom apartments on sale to over-60s from £341,950 (01932 224260; churchillretirement.co.uk).
Churchill Retirement Living developments have communal lounges that owners normally use for social gatherings, as well as guest suites for family and friends to rent, although these are closed at the moment. For the same reason, buyers can visit by appointment only or talk to sales executives by phone or video call.
RETIREMENT specialist Inspired Villages has also supported residents during lockdown by setting up a buddy system so everybody gets a call from a member of the village team each day. Staff also organise socially distanced walks and virtual quizzes to help combat isolation.
Mary Ewing, 78, who lives at Durrants Village in Sussex, has praised the staff’s attempts to counter loneliness among residents who would normally meet at the village gym and pool or its Lake Pavilion room for hobby groups and clubs.
“The restaurant here has been doing Saturday evening three-course dinner deliveries, so I’ve met friends in the garden a couple of times and we’ve enjoyed dinner together at a distance,” she says.
And Carol Parkinson, 80, who moved to Bramshott Place in Hampshire when she was widowed three years ago, is similarly enthusiastic.
Normally Carol helps out at the village shop and bar and joins in Scottish dancing or line dancing sessions but even though they are on hold she has not felt isolated.
“I’ve certainly not felt lonely,” says Carol, who enjoys walking in the village’s 50-acre grounds. “You can go for a 40-minute walk but you end up seeing a dozen people and stopping to chat so that walk turns into an hour and a half.”
Bramshott Place also has a wellness spa, relaxation pool, gym and exercise studio, with a library and conservatory for clubs and games.
Properties are for sale at both these Inspired Villages sites, with twobedroom apartments from £330,000 at DurrantsVillage (01293 837439; inspiredvillages.co.uk). Two and threebedroom cottages are also available from £479,950 and cottages are for sale at Bramshott Place from £580,000 (01428 853281; inspiredvillages.co.uk).
Viewing is by appointment only.