Bringing Family Closer Together

Longer life expectancy, the cost-of-living crisis, and strain on the health and social care system mean the responsibility of supporting ageing parents is increasingly fallen to adult children.

But despite the challenges and concerns linked to caregiving – with research revealing 6.6 million people worry they wouldn’t know how to support their older parents  - many children are stepping up to help their loved ones in later life. 

In Harleston, Christine Rogers encouraged her parents, Julie and Alan Carter, to move more than 100 miles from Orpington in Greater London, so she could keep a close eye on them as their mobility started to worsen over time. 

“It’s made a world of difference,” she says. “My biggest concern was always that they lived over two hours away, which made it difficult to see them. During the Covid pandemic, it was awful, as we barely saw each another. Now, we can see one another as often as we like, I can help them whenever they need it, and I don’t have to constantly worry about them.”

As well as wanting to be nearer their daughter, Alan and Julie, both in their early 80s, moved to Waveney Place, a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development on Mendham Lane, due to the strain of maintaining a larger home. 

Christine comments: “Their mobility was becoming a real issue and managing the garden was increasingly difficult for them both, especially with no family close by. I wanted to find them somewhere low-maintenance, where they could still enjoy the outdoors but without being responsible for the upkeep. When it came to viewing properties, Waveney Place was the perfect fit.”

Peace of mind was a real draw for Christine and her parents, along with the added appeal of a thriving community and supportive team of staff.

“One of the things I value most about Waveney Place is that I know my parents are well looked after.  When they moved in, they were both given a panic button to wear, which has given the family great peace of mind. Not to mention, the staff go above and beyond to support the homeowners and make sure they’re comfortable. The House Manager, Jo, is a wonderful lady who does a fantastic job of taking care of the development, but more importantly, the residents too. Likewise, Amber, one of the Sales Consultants is so easy to talk to and she has a lovely relationship with the homeowners. I keep in regular contact with both Jo and Amber, so I know my parents are in good hands,” says Christine.  

Married for 62 years, Alan, a former cabbie, and Julie, who previously worked with children, have always maintained an active lifestyle, with both being keen golfers and avid supporters of Arsenal Football Club. This remains an important aspect of their retirement at Waveney Place, where they have become regular front players in the array of activities. 

“It’s been great watching mum and dad settle into their new lifestyle,” shares Christine. “They’ve made some lovely friends and they’re always up to something new. Every day, they pop down to the communal lounge for a coffee, cake, and a catchup with the other homeowners. There are plenty of other activities and events happening too. One of their favourites being when the children’s choir from the local primary school came to sing – they loved it. They also enjoy getting out and about, making regular visits to Harleston town centre, where they say they’ve discovered the best café.

“It’s so much nicer that they live close by. Now I can see them without the ordeal of planning an entire weekend visit and they can also spend more quality time with their only grandchild, which I know they cherish. My brother will also be moving back from Australia soon, so they’ll be able to see more of him too. It’s safe to say that them moving to Harleston has been a bonus for everyone.”

When asked about the moving process, Christine said it was a ‘breeze’. “From start to finish, Amber went above and beyond to support us. Not only did she help sell their property in Kent, but she also arranged for them to view a McCarthy Stone development closer to them, which gave them a real flavour for what it would be like. Until they moved in, they’d only seen the apartment via the videos that I sent them, but Amber did a great job of reassuring them, and I knew the first time I visited Waveney Place, my parents would love it. 

“The development is honestly perfect. It’s spacious, safe, and it has been designed beautifully. It’s made a huge difference to my mum and dad’s lives and it’s clear to see how happy they are.”

Keen for more families to take advantage of the wealth of benefits that come with living at a McCarthy Stone development, Christine says she often speaks to visitors who come to view Waveney Place. 

“I haven’t got a bad word to say about the development – every aspect of it is brilliant. Often when Amber is showing prospective buyers or their families around, I tell them what a wonderful environment it will be for their loved ones. I’m really enthusiastic about it, as I’ve experienced first-hand what a difference it can make.

“If you’re thinking of buying a retirement living property for yourself or a family member, my advice would be to ask lots of questions, view more than one property and attend any open day events. McCarthy Stone offer lots of these and always have someone on-hand to answer anything you’re unsure of. We’ve had a fantastic experience so far and it’s fair to say we haven’t looked back.”