Bernadette

Feeling Safe and Sociable: Bernadette’s New Chapter in Retirement Living

Bernadette, who will celebrate her 76^th birthday next month, moved to Broadleaf House in March 2025 and has already forged a thriving social life. “Most of the time I feel as though I’m on holiday.”

Since arriving, she has slept more soundly, travelled more freely and discovered that an exercise class, a film night or a good chat is never more than a few steps away. “The difference in how safe and relaxed I feel is amazing. I lock my door and head off on holiday or to visit friends and know everything’s looked after thanks to the 24-hour on-site team and friendly neighbours.”

Why Broadleaf House was the answer

Before her move, she was living alone in a spacious corner-plot bungalow a few miles away. The garden was huge and for several years she enjoyed it, but eventually the upkeep became exhausting. “I loved the garden, but I had to pay someone to cut the hedges. Decorating, repairs, climbing ladders – it all felt too much on my own.”

The bungalow could also be lonely. Bernadette is close to her extended family but found that whole days could pass without speaking to anyone in person. “I would jump in the car to pick up my sister or go out somewhere, but if I stayed at home, I might not see a soul.” Coupled with growing concerns about security on a corner plot, she began to think seriously about moving. “As you get older you become more aware of what can go wrong. I wanted to feel safe.”

After touring several retirement communities, she stepped through the doors of Broadleaf House. “The moment I walked in I had that feeling. I knew it was the one. I had looked at other places, but this felt right.”

Moving made easy

The practical side of downsizing was eased when Adlington arranged for a specialist from The Senior Move Partnership to support Bernadette. “I wanted to sort things myself, but Rachel was brilliant at taking items away once I was ready. It made the process far less daunting.”

Family lent a hand on moving day and Bernadette wasted no time putting her stamp on her new home. “I decided to decorate, so next week the fireplace is being replaced, and my feature wallpaper is going up. The dark furniture I brought with me will be painted lighter and Gloria, one of my neighbours, has given me a beautiful chair that fits my new colour scheme.” She has also chosen some realistic artificial plants to add some greenery to her balcony: “They look great whatever the weather.”

A busy social life

The first anniversary party of the community, Christmas drinks before she even moved in, film nights and walking groups have already packed Bernadette’s calendar. “I try to join as many events as I can. I do like going to them. There was the one-year anniversary celebration, and I came to the Christmas party before I moved in. It was lovely. The staff make a real effort and everyone here is really nice. It makes a difference having lovely people around.”

Golf may soon make a comeback. “I played years ago, and my sister-in-law is always encouraging me to take it up again. I might join a local club.”

Her IT skills are improving too. “Charlotte, one of the Duty Managers here, ran an IT course recently and I learned things about my phone I’d never worked out on my own. We have a community WhatsApp group too. Gloria reminds us every day what is on, even when she is on holiday. It is a great way to stay connected.”

She meets friends in the lounge, enjoys the landscaped garden, now that she doesn’t have to maintain it, and often sits outside with visitors. “Now that the weather’s better, I’ll get out there more. It’s all done for you, so you can just enjoy it.”

A life of energy and enterprise

Born in County Galway, Ireland, Bernadette moved with her parents and two sisters to Birmingham in 1960. Later she married Matthew, a chartered accountant she had first noticed across the aisle at church. They were introduced properly at the Yew Tree pub in Yardley, having been engineered together by her sister and his best friend.

Their first home was only three miles from where Bernadette lives today but a promotion for Matt took them to Buckinghamshire in 1980. “We were there for nine years. It was a lovely part of the world and a fantastic opportunity for Matt, but eventually we came back to Birmingham.” They returned in 1989 and, although the marriage ended three years later, the friendship endured. “We didn’t divorce for ages, and we’re still friends. I even went on a spa day with my sister-in-law last week and have remained very close with my in-laws since.”

Worry-free holidays

Bernadette enjoys holidays and visiting friends and is already plotting her next getaway with her niece. “I tend to go on overseas trips with my niece once a year. We plan to go abroad in September, although we haven’t booked yet. Once or twice a year I also drive to visit friends in Buckinghamshire and a friend I’ve known for over 50 years who moved to Norfolk. I went to Ireland in April, to Kerry, which was beautiful. We went to celebrate my sister-in-law’s 70^th birthday. We stayed for 10 days and did lots of sightseeing. We had a really lovely holiday.”

Advice for others

Asked what she would say to anyone considering retirement living, Bernadette does not hesitate. “Safety was my biggest driver, but people have to want to move. You can point out the benefits – the company, the maintenance, the peace of mind – but they have to be ready.”

For Bernadette the move has been more than worthwhile. “I knew the minute I walked in that I would live here. Now I wake up, open the curtains, see the garden and think how lucky I am. It really does feel like being on holiday, only better, because I am home.”