Support for independence at Birchgrove

"I am particularly pleased with the design of the kitchen and bathroom – everything is so user friendly and such a high standard."

"A year on, I know more than ever, I made the right decision. It’s like being in a hotel; everyone’s so lovely and kind and will do anything for you."

"I wanted something different, a place where I could stay in control and keep my independence. I might need a bit of help to fix something, but I find I’m able to manage myself pretty well. I do all my own cooking and shopping and I like the fact I’m a free agent and can do as I want. I want to keep it that way."

"The other thing I truly value is the freedom to please myself. There are no rules about what time to get up or go to bed, whether you can walk around the garden – you can live and socialise as you wish. And if you ever need help, the people here are incredible."

"The first thing that attracted me was the location, and the fact that 10 buses were stopping almost outside the front door, which meant I could get to anywhere I wanted with my bus pass."

"I love the freedom of being able to do what I want, when I want. Of being around people, seeing them smiling at you, meeting others for a cup of tea or coffee. You know it’s a really great crowd here; they are all lovely. And my family are very much at peace as they worried about me being on my own. That’s very important to me."

"Being able to develop new friendships and be part of something bigger has given Mum a whole new lease of life. That opportunity to chat to others, share ideas, contribute to the events programme and join in the social trips out is also great."

"Everyone we met was incredibly kind and I was immediately taken with a bright two-bedroom apartment which I now live in. It’s so spacious and has a balcony overlooking the gardens which are lovely."

"My husband died about 12 years ago, and we'd lived in a big house in Sussex on three floors, and it was all a bit much. I mean, I just didn't need that much space or that much cleaning and maintenance in my life."

I’ve reserved early off-plan so I could choose the apartment that felt right for my needs. I've gone for a larger two-bed because I've got the dog – and also a brother who's up in Scotland which means I can accommodate him when he visits.

"Although Mum is still independent and doesn’t need 24-hour care, knowing people are around to lend a hand when she needs it makes a world of difference. Her ‘good days’ (always when she spent time with somebody) are now many."

“Here, I’ve got people around me when I want company, and I can still have my own space when I need it. There’s no worrying about the boiler breaking or the garden getting overgrown—it’s all taken care of. And being closer to my daughters is such a comfort—for all of us. They tell me I seem more like myself again.”

"Moving into a retirement community where we have our own restaurant and chef on site preparing meals from produce you’ve helped grow, fills me with quite a sense of pride. All in all, moving here has proved very beneficial for me and I think I was really very lucky to be here."

"All the people here are so nice. The staff go out of their way to make us comfortable, and I enjoy getting to know my new neighbours and hearing about their lives. Living here means I can remain independent."

"Come see for yourself. Just because there are choices, doesn’t mean there is a wrong one. You just need to find what’s right for you.”

"When I first saw the apartments, I loved the impression of what I saw. It even surpassed what it looked like in the brochures. I am in a different world now, very happy I moved here."

"Come over and have a good look around. Talk to people here. Look at all the facilities you've got and give it a trial (you don't need to sell your home to do that) – see if you could fit in."

It’s good to think of others and it’s important to me to have security. People don’t realise just how much you might depend on it and it’s good to know you are being looked after."

"That’s the one thing that continues to impress me, the friendship of the people running Birchgrove and the people here. They are like-minded, they knew what we wanted, companionship and friendship."

"It’s impossible to put a price on what happiness I get living here – not being lonely or worried anymore, it’s worth every single penny. It’s not just simplified my life; it’s given me my life back."

“The staff here…they’re more than just people doing a job. They care about us. They’re part of our lives now. They genuinely care, and that’s a comfort you can’t put a price on.”

“My daughter doesn’t have to sit there wondering if we’re okay anymore. It’s peace of mind for her, and for us.”

I'm their DJ. I've got loads of LP records, so we play music every afternoon, have a singsong, and enjoy a coffee, lunch or a glass of wine together – it's brilliant.

“I’d forgotten how much I missed being around people. Now, I’ve got friends I see every day. We share meals, go for walks, and have a laugh. It’s not the same as my old village, but in some ways, it’s even better.”

"It wasn’t what I thought it would be. The apartment was beautiful, and the whole place felt so warm, welcoming and friendly. I started to realise that it wasn’t about giving something up; it was about finding something better.”

"I really wanted a two-bedroom apartment, as a close friend and I spend alternate weekends with each other. I’ve also two sons and grandchildren who live far away so having a spare room means they can stay when they visit."

I like getting up and having a coffee morning; that starts me off for the day. Having lunch in the restaurant as I prefer to eat lighter in the evening – means hardly any cooking."

"Not being alone has made a massive difference to her quality of life and living in an apartment future-proofed to anticipate her changing needs means she can confidently enjoy that independence for many years to come."

I'd recommend this to anybody. I'm a jovial person, so we crack jokes and laugh, and it makes my day to go down and join them.