"Making the decision in the first place is the hardest thing. It didn't happen overnight but I felt I was ready. It is a big decision, but once I had made it I was very excited about moving in. It is another chapter to my life.

I am much happier. I am nearer my family so I see more of them. I have made lots of friends and we can talk to each other as and when we wish. I was on my own before and my failing health was affecting the activities I was able to participate in. Here it doesn't matter. anyone can join in everything if they wish. I go to weekly coffee mornings and afternoon tea. We also go to the thatre regularly."

"My life is much better since I moved. I am able to have time for my hobbies now - making soft toys and doing embroidery. I used to spend all my time looking after the house and garden before. I go to the coffe mornings and afternoon tea. we are off to see "Annie" tomorrow night and next month we have a trip to the theatre in Malvern.

The best thing about living here is the sizae of all my rooms - this is proper living - I am not cramped at all. And I can walk to the Co-Op or to the bus stop if I want from here."

The service charge includes many of the things that I would have had to pay for in my old home anyway, such as buildings insurance and window cleaning. I was already paying for a gardener and had got to the point where I couldn’t clean the house myself.  Now I don’t need to worry about it because there’s someone who comes in and does it for me.

“Another advantage of moving here is that my fuel bills are a lot cheaper. My gas bill alone has dropped from £130 to £40 a month.
 

There is so much less work and it is easy to keep clean(especially with the weekly help with the housework included). The garden was getting too much in my last home, I could not cope with all that as well as looking after my husband who does not enjoy the best of health. I feel very secure at night when the gates are closed at dusk. Only key holders can get in without talking to the duty manager. I am not worried about being burgled.

Everything is quite convenient - it is close to town and to the doctors. There is always someone here if you want some support, either pratical or emotional. It is nice to be able to sit in the gardens and chat to people, and my friends came for lunch in the restaurant the other day for a "girlie" lunch. they enjoyed it so much they want to do it every month!"