Karen, 62, and Jean, 87, both live at Ashfield House, an Independent Living Scheme in Hemsworth.
They are relatively new to Ashfield House but are both getting settled into the social scene already. They gave up time away from pie and pea afternoon with an entertainer to speak about their experiences.
Jean said: “I was nervous about it all before I came and visited if I’m honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. It will be three years in November that my husband passed, I’ve been living on my own since then.
“I broke my ankle in a fall, it’s changed how much I can get around. From where I lived, the shops were uphill, I really struggled to get out because of that.
“My family helped me arrange to come and have a look at Ashfield and when I walked in, I was surprised by how bright and clean and warm it was. One of the ladies who I spend a lot of time with now, she called us over straight away and asked if I’d like to sit and have a chat.
“Everyone has just been so welcoming and there is so much going on, it is brilliant for me to have it all in easy reach. I’d no idea how good it was going to be before I visited.”
Karen enjoys having her family close by at Ashfield and regularly goes out for an afternoon with her brother. She was similarly surprised on her first visit.
She said: “I was nervous about it as well, but I thought the same thing when I walked in. It is bright, clean and so welcoming, I knew I’d be happy straight away.
“I like having my own space and being a bit independent, I love my tigers, there is lots of tiger themed stuff up there in my room. I’ve got my budgies too, the young kids on their way to school like to look at them when I’ve got the windows open.
“It is nice here, the employees do so much, we know they go above and beyond to make things happen. I just remember worrying that this was going to be a care home, my brother said, ‘I’d never put you in a care home’, but before I’d come to see it myself that was all I could think it would be like.”
Ashfield House in Hemsworth is a purpose-built development of one- and two-bedroom apartments, which are set in communal landscaped gardens. All apartments and bungalows have been designed with over 60s in mind, having been modernised throughout to create a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Located close to Hemsworth town centre, Ashfield House is just a short bus ride from supermarkets, local shops, pubs, clubs, churches, hairdressers, a fish and chip shop, chemists, butcher and a variety of sandwich shops. WDH's Care Link emergency contact system is wired into each home ensuring access to assistance 24 hours a day.
Karen and Jean are now settling into the swing of things at Ashfield House, regularly getting involved in the activities and entertainment on offer. Jean said: “There is always something going on, whether it’s bingo, coffee mornings, special meals, singers, all sorts.
“When you first arrive, it can take a little while to feel comfortable, but everyone is so lovely that it doesn’t take long to settle in.
“Looking back, I always think it was so silly to have been so nervous about coming here. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”