When Christine Steven’s 88 year old mother, Doris Beesley, decided it was time to sell the family home in Coventry and move closer to her daughter in Folkestone, both mother and daughter were surprised by how much they benefitted from the move!
It was through the Methodist Church in Cheriton in Folkestone that Christine first heard about McCarthy & Stone’s Assisted Living development Laurel Court in Cheriton. “One of the lay preachers at our church also happens to be a postman and regularly delivered to Laurel Court,” Christine explains, “And when I mentioned that my mother was planning to move to the area he suggested we went and took a look around.
“My mum had lived in the same house for 56 years so moving was a massive upheaval for her. I’d talked to her at length about what she wanted to get out of the move and her main concern was finding somewhere that would mean she would never have to move again, even if she became unable to look after herself.”
Christine and Doris decided to go and visit Laurel Court to find out exactly what an Assisted Living development had to offer.
“We had a tour of the development and were really impressed with the whole set up at Laurel Court. Not only would Mum be able to maintain ownership of a property and her independence, two things that were very important to her, she would also be able to benefit from a number of additional support services and features, should she require them.”
Services and facilities such as a 24-hour Careline, a residents’ lounge, guest suite, laundry room, an estate manager, 24-hour on-site staff, a waitress service restaurant, offering a midday meal every day of the year, personal care services by arrangement and one hour of domestic assistance each week, if required.
“The apartments themselves are really well designed and are slightly larger than those you might find at other retirement developments to allow for wheelchair access,” Christine continues, “The apartments also benefit from a level access shower, in addition to a bath, and the fitted kitchen includes an electrically operated window, avoiding the need to struggle and lean across work surfaces to open them.”
Having spent some time at the development, speaking to the sales executive and current residents, Doris decided Laurel Court was the right place for her and reserved a one bedroom apartment overlooking the communal garden.
Doris explains: “Although I knew it would take me a while to adjust to living in an apartment, moving to Laurel Court meant I wouldn’t need to consider residential care, something I was keen to avoid. It also meant that while I could be nearer to my daughter, I could still retain my independence so that I didn’t become reliant on anyone.”
Doris moved into her new home in September 2009. “I’m really enjoying life at Laurel Court,” she explains. “I’ve made many new friends and we often meet for coffee in the residents’ lounge. I also take advantage of the domestic assistance included in the service charge and have someone that comes every week to clean the apartment and put my laundry on for me. And, having so many like-minded neighbours and staff available 24 hours a day, I never feel isolated or alone.”
The move has not only been positive for Doris but also her daughter. Christine explains: “It’s great to have Mum so close by. If anything happens and she needs me to be there, she’s only ten minutes away rather than four hours. Plus, I know if there was a problem the estate manager at Laurel Court would call me straight away.
“Over Christmas, Mum had a cough and a cold and as she was so close, she could come and stay with us for a few days and get some TLC! And, it means, I can take her shopping and to the doctors to really ensure she is looking after herself. So while Mum enjoys her independence, security and the company at Laurel Court, I have got complete peace of mind that she’s living in the best possible place!”
Laurel Court comprises 70 one and two bedroom Assisted Living developments in the small town of Cheriton on the outskirts of Folkestone. Situated just off the high street on Stanley Road, the development is well placed for a range of shops and everyday amenities. Public transport links are excellent, with a regular local bus service running past Laurel Court.
See Also: Property News (5994), McCarthy and Stone (109), Coventry (36), Assisted Living (13), Laurel Court (5)
Date Published: 10 February 2010
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