Independent Living In Style
There’s no doubt about it, we’re living longer which means many people are choosing to spend their winter years in luxurious independent living communities, writes Emma Brereton. Photography: Paul Melling
Thanks in part to better lifestyles and improved health in later years, there’s a whole generation of people who are simply too fit for a care home. They may still need to make a move to alternative accommodation and are likely to choose a facility that will meet specific needs – and then some.
Larmenier Retirement Village in Blackburn has been designed around its residents. Everything is about making life easier as well as providing an opportunity to live life at their own pace. Set within the former grounds of Beardwood House, home to one of the brothers of the famous Thwaites brewers, the property was purchased by The Sisters of Nazareth in 1917.
A former care home, in 2007, the Sisters decided to adapt the property, which occupies an elevated position overlooking beautiful countryside, to the changing needs of older people and thus embracing independent living.
“We do everything to promote independence,” says Janet Carr general manager at the village. “More and more people are choosing to downsize before it’s too late, which means looking for an independent living community that will provide them with exactly what they are looking for.”
Larmenier Retirement Village has done everything to create this vision. There’s a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments all with beautiful views. It is a pet friendly location with a coffee bar, restaurant, games room, cinema and hairdresser.
“All entertainment is down to the residents and there’s plenty to get involved with,” says Janet. “From film club on a Friday to regular trips to local garden centres and other nearby attractions, our residents love a new lease of life in a close-knit community that offers lots of support.”
All residents also benefit from a cleaner once a week as well as an onsite handyman and it’s the little touches that really set this village apart from others. It’s like a first-class hotel with community spirit. All doors have been made three inches wider to fit wheelchairs, plug sockets are at waist height as well as the thermostat on radiators fitted at the top, to save residents having to bend down.
You can even try this new way of life before you sign on the dotted line. “We understand that moving home and into a retirement village is a huge decision, and we take pride in our unique opportunity to live in our village on a trial basis.
“Spending time in our fully furnished apartments allows individuals to get a sense of living in this environment and helps you to decide if it’s the place for you to spend your retirement years.”
For more information about making the move to independent living visit: www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk
Larmenier Retirement Village
Preston New Road
Blackburn BB2 7AL
01254 690236
www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk
