North Canterbury News: January 23, 2020

“Since Mum’s been here,
she’sjustblossomed”
From growingupinabig family in Christchurch to beinghappily married for63years,Alma’shad
plentyofcompany throughout her whole life.
So,when theoptiontomovetoaSummerset servicedapartmentcameup, Alma anddaughter
Mareewerenaturallyalittlenervous it mightbeabit on thequiet side forher.But,since themove,
they’vediscoveredit’sbeenanythingbut quiet.
“I don’t thinkyou’d ever need to feel lonely here. It’s just like abig family andthere’salways
somethinggoing on,” remarks Alma.
When shefirst arrivedather serviced apartment, Alma hadher husbandbyher side.Sadly,he
passed away shortlyafter duetoon-goinghealthissues. “I thought it might takeher alittlewhile to
deal withthe loss of dad and… thenew surroundings,but it wasquite amazingreally howquickly
shesettled,and Ithink that wasdowntothe staff,” recallsdaughterMaree.
Alma with Mareeasatoddler
Whilethe move wasabig decision,the wholefamily feel that Alma has“blossomed” sinceand
hasbecomemoreherself again.
“She’sinvolvedherself in things that shehadn’tdone foryears,Choir.Exercising.
She’sjusttaken it with both hands, made friendsand it’s allbeenjustamazing.”
Mareeand Alma both admitthatthe stigma of retirementlivingput them off forlonger than it
needed to.“Ithinkmum wasjustsodelightedwhenshe came hereand realised howwelcoming
andhow well-run [the placewas]and what care washerefor her.Ithinkitwas an eye-opener,really.”
HavingAlmalivingathomewithher wouldhavebeenadream forMaree,but withthe realityof
workingall day, sheworried her mumwould be very bored. ButAlmahasn’thad time forboredom
at allsince movingtoSummerset.“There’ssomuch to keep youoccupied.Music.Happy Hour,little
outings. It’s alovelyplace to be.”
Alma also fillsher time withacheekybit of cleaning,eventhoughshe doesn’tneed to liftafinger.
“I don’t thinkshe leaves alot forthe staff to clean, butthat’smum,” laughs Maree.
“It’sarelieffor us to know that she’staken care of.Dad wouldbesopleased to seeshe’s in a
placelikethis. It’s just beenagodsend.”
To hear Alma’s full story,visit summerset.co.nz/servicedapartments
Alma and Mareeenjoyquality time
together at Summerset at Wigram
Servicedapartments pre-selling*
nowatSummersetonCavendish!
Summerset on Cavendish
147CavendishRoad, Casebrook
*Licence to occupy.