I have lived here at Kingfisher Court for around a year now. As you can imagine I had mixed feelings about moving into residential care. I looked forward to having support on hand and meals cooked for me. I was more than a little bit excited about not having to clean a large house ever again, but I did worry about how I would fill my days and whether I would be able to keep up with hobbies and continue to indulge my passion for gardening.
One of the main reasons for selecting Kingfisher Court was their lifestyle programme. Of course, I wanted expert care and beautiful surroundings, but I also wanted to continue to live a full life. I wanted to learn new skills, to be able to make a valid contribution and feel to valued.
At home I had a beautiful garden. I would happily lose myself for hours in the weeding, watering and pruning. The scent of cut grass and fragrant flowers gave me a sense of peace and contentedness. I once heard somebody say that “gardening adds years to your life and life to your years” and I couldn’t agree more. Gardening benefits both body and mind, it keeps you physically fit whilst imparting a sense of satisfaction that boosts the soul.
Nina and I spend a lot of our time in the garden at Kingfisher Court. We are very proud of the oasis that we have created. Nina is fitter and stronger than many half her age, her agility is astounding. Nina claims that gardening has kept her young and you certainly couldn’t argue her point, watching her, up and down the garden, planting and weeding. The Kingfisher gardens really are a beautiful place to spend time. The other residents appreciate the work that has gone into providing everyone here with such a pretty place to sit and watch the world go by.
We are very proud of what we have achieved and when the plants are watered and the flowers pruned and we are showered and fed, Nina and I like to sit in the Sky bar and look over the garden, illuminated by the setting sun and congratulate ourselves on a job well done.