A luxury retirement community in Mirfield is highlighting the positives of the current situation as residents celebrate the support and companionship of their neighbours during lockdown.
For many older UK citizens the recent lockdown has often led to lengthy spells of isolation, cut off from friends, family and their regular support network.
Thankfully that hasn’t been the case for the 50 residents of St Paul’s Lock, a luxury retirement community in Mirfield in the heart of West Yorkshire.
Their story has been one of almost continuous support and inclusion, as they have come together to help each other through these most remarkable times.
From ordering and distributing their weekly shops and medical prescriptions to organizing treats such as local fish and chip suppers, the community has delighted its residents and reiterated the benefits of living independent lives, but within a secure environment.
Using technology such as Whatsapp groups and online supermarket ordering, the group has made sure that no-one has been left out or felt neglected throughout over 100 days of lockdown.
Residents Helen and George Chapman summed up their experience;
“We are so delighted to live here and the current situation has just proved to us that we made the right decision to come. Everyone has played their part in keeping us safe, fed and healthy by helping each other with shopping, collections, and entertainment on our Whatsapp group, and generally looking out for each other. We are a proper community.”
Darren Smith, director of Darren Smith Homes, who built and manage the St Paul’s Lock luxury apartment complex said;
“We’re actually a bit overwhelmed at the lovely stories we’ve heard and messages we’ve received from the residents here at St Paul’s Lock during the recent coronavirus lockdown.
We had a vision when we first started work on this project to create a community where older people could enjoy their retirement in comfort and safety, and hopefully gel together as a group of supportive friends, but we could never have envisaged just how well it has worked out.
If anyone is wondering whether downsizing to a luxury retirement apartment is right for them, I’d urge them to listen to what our residents have to say, and read some more of the wonderful testimonials on our website.”
With plans in place for a second phase of similar luxury apartments, it appears that St Paul’s Lock has the perfect solution for older people looking for independent, yet friendly retirement living.
