My room is filled with light and sunshine
Remuera Gardens has recently opened eight specialist care suites that provide full medical and nursing care around the clock, with eight more due to be finished at the end of the year. These warm, secure, and beautifully furnished suites are designed for comfort, cosiness, and ease of living. Cynthia is one of the first residents to move into these suites, having settled into her new home three months ago.
We are delighted to share the letter that Cynthia sent to Remuera Gardens Village Manager, Karen Cottle, a week ago. The letter captures Cynthia's journey and experiences at Remuera Gardens, showcasing the true essence of our community:
Dear Karen,
When I was invited to write about my time in Remuera Gardens, two thoughts immediately entered my mind. The word 'serendipity' - and a small advertisement that changed my life.
As an ex South African, I had packed and happily followed my newly married son to New Zealand with his new kiwi family. This was such a happy time for me and I loved my new life in New Zealand. When they decided to move again, this time to Australia… I had a decision to make. Do I pack and follow them again?
With this in my mind, an attractive ad in the morning paper caught my eye. It read that ‘unusually, two apartments had become available together at Remuera Gardens’ and it piqued my curiosity. I phoned a friend, also living on the North Shore, and together we crossed the Bridge to follow this up!
I call it serendipity, or perhaps it’s just good timing, but that simple, small journey changed my life! Within a week I became the proud (and decisive!) owner of Apartment 80 in Remuera Gardens - a decision I made that I have treasured every day as I’ve enjoyed my many years here – right up to my present move – into my unbelievably beautiful, newly opened Care Suite in Kensington House, Remuera Gardens.
I remember my first visit to Remuera Gardens - the beauty, not only of the village itself, but also the tree filled gardens and immaculate flower beds everywhere which instantly caught our attention! And indeed the gracious layout and design of the community, of the apartments with their own decks and gardens…
I was a little nervous initially – but after a little time I came to realise, appreciate and understand the wonderful feeling of security and comfort that living in a village and being part of a community gives you. The companionship of new friends, the many outings and daily entertainment choices were open to us all.
My family, though sad that we were apart, were delighted with my choice. They were happy for me and always enjoyed the warm welcomes they received from the Remuera Gardens staff and management on their visits. I remember being busy and happily settled over the many years I been here. Eventually of course, it was time for my next move – this time into the care of our Kensington House Rest Home.
Kensington House is a small charming building made up of two wings. It’s in the grounds of the Remuera Gardens and very much a part of it. Kensington has always been well known for the wonderful care and comfort they provide, and although reluctant to move, I knew it was time for me. I was soon again happily settled in with the wonderfully caring Kensington House team looking after me!
Just three months ago the plans for Kensington House to be rebuilt and updated to modern luxury Care Suites became a reality! I would ultimately be moved, and here I am, just three months later in my beautiful Care Suite! My picture window is filled with light and sunshine! When I think about this wonderful addition to Remuera Gardens, I think about how important it will be for the present and future residents.
That’s why sharing this new venture with you all is great! I hope that my wee walk down memory lane will be of use or interest to you in some way.
Warm regards,
Cynthia
Remuera Gardens will have 16 specialist care suites available like the one Cynthia moved into. Stage one is now complete and the final rooms of stage two are due for completion by the end of 2024. Currently, we have 3 generously sized suites available, each between 30 and 40 sqm, providing full medical and nursing care around the clock. Residents receive personal, prioritised medical attention from familiar faces, all in the privacy of their own homes.
To learn more about the personalized care suite that Cynthia moved into, visit here (https://www.realliving.co.nz/news/detail/kensington-house-care-suites)
If you’d like to know more about joining our community, contact Lyn at 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz.
