New Year. We all know January heralds resolutions – some we keep, others not. A new year does, however, present us with a clear springboard to make the lifestyle change we’ve been promising ourselves.
A brand–new year, particularly after the unmentionable one we’ve had, presents us with a brand-new slate. It gives us the chance to tackle aspects of our lives or lifestyle which no longer serve us, and to turn them around.
Have you been procrastinating about selling and moving from the large family home? Or toying with the idea of downsizing into a secure cottage in a retirement village? Have you been putting it off because it’s so overwhelming and, frankly, exhausting as a prospect?
None of these decisions or actions is for the faint–hearted – but as you know, it doesn’t get easier. This new year is a really good time to start the process, to do some homework, and examine your options.
To start with, make a list of priorities. Need a retirement village in a particular area, pet friendly, with frail care, two bedrooms, and within a specific price range? You’ll be amazed how putting pen to paper clarifies your thinking, and narrows down the options.
We all have concerns about the change, and about this new lifestyle. All those issues you’re facing, others have faced – and with no exception, now the move is behind them, they’re all very glad, and can focus on looking forward.
Listen to a few of our residents at Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village who’ve made the move. We asked them to tell us about their journey to MERV.
Ingrid Ludlow has been renting at Mount Edgecombe for two years. Her husband had died, and the following year she had cancer. She knew she needed to sell the family home, and with her children living at Mount Edgecombe, she (and they) wanted the proximity: “I decided to rent here so I could see if it would work out for me. I’d spent 30 years in my house, and had to get rid of so much stuff … but I knew I was doing it for the right reasons. It was a relief to give up the house and the pool.” Now, retired, she’s building a new life: “I drive through the Estate to see the children and grandchildren, and they can stay with me. One of the best things at MERV is that I feel so safe. I honestly didn’t realise I was uneasy in my big home, until I felt the marked difference. I’m really happy here, and I intend to stay.”
Meet Rose Hobson. After 33 years in their Berea home, Rose and her husband moved to MERV a year ago. She says it’s impossible now to imagine how tough the move was, because it’s faded into insignificance: “It’s the best thing we ever did,” she laughs, “I say thank you every day.” She’s not joking either.
The children had left for overseas, and the Hobsons were toying with the idea of selling up. A friend suggested they look at MERV: “I’m not moving into a retirement village,” said Rose. “I’m young, what are you talking about?” But they went to look anyway, and were surprised at how much they liked what they saw. “We’d thought of moving into a pad in uMhlanga for say eight years, and then only look at retirement options, but we decided to bite the bullet now.”
Two days after moving into MERV, Rose popped round to her neighbour: “Hi, nice to meet you. Please could you keep our keys, we’re off to Hong Kong in the morning.” And off they went. Rose says the lock-up-and-go aspect, the sight and sound of life around you (especially during lockdown), and the sense of security is invaluable: “The relief of not wondering if it’s the cat which set off the alarm,” she says. Rose is alone most of the week as her husband works away, but at MERV, he doesn’t have to worry about her at all, and Rose, well, she’s loving her life.
Moving house is tough. Downsizing is a challenge. But, as Rose said, “Baby steps. That’s how we did it. One kitchen drawer at a time. Getting rid of all that stuff we didn’t need or want, was really cathartic!”
And they didn’t have the benefit of MERV’s new Concierge Service. Now, from the moment you choose MERV as your home, you have the support and assistance of the MERV Concierge team. They understand about moving home, and they have all the tools at their fingertips!