Edna’s positive attitude helps her to embrace change

Bruce McLaren Village resident Edna Brady says she would ‘100%’ recommend retirement living to others thinking of making the move, especially those who live alone.

“I always said if I lost my husband, I’d move into a place like this,” she says of her decision to shift to the Howick village nearly 12 years ago.

Still, it was with a mixture of trepidation and excitement that she signed on the dotted line as the village hadn’t even been built at that point. With demand running strong, she didn’t want to miss out however, and she admits it was quite lonely living on her own in the big family home.

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“The neighbours were very good but they all went to work around me. If I’d have stayed in my home I wouldn’t have any contact all day,” says Edna.

Security was a big factor too. “I had been burgled and there are so many dreadful things going on which made me feel quite anxious.”

Her daughter Wendy, who recently moved back to New Zealand after living in Australia for over 30 years, agrees it was the best thing her mum could have done.

“Mum was perfectly mobile, driving everywhere, but peace of mind was huge. Knowing that mum was safe and sound was a great relief,” Wendy says.

Edna has decorated her space with splashes of her favourite pinks and purples.

Edna soon found that there were so many things to do and people to talk to, she was too busy to think about her old house.

“I made some lovely friends here, so thoughtful and kind. I never had time to get lonely. If you sit in the lounge, people will come and talk to you!”

Edna enjoyed 10 happy years living in her beautiful third floor apartment in the Amon building, enjoying the amazing views from her favourite spot on the balcony.

Her husband Des had transferred to live in the special care unit at the village and for the 18 months until he passed away, Edna would walk down every day to visit him, without even having to face the elements.

Village life was everything she had hoped for, and more.

“There is always something special going on – we’d enjoy dressing up for fine dining nights, Christmas, ANZAC Day, then there were market days, family days with the grandchildren, school choirs would come.”

Edna faced another change when she moved from her independent apartment to a serviced apartment following a fall and then, a year ago, she transferred into the village rest home.

Wendy says her mum’s attitude has been inspiring throughout: “It was a big change for her which took some adjustment, but we positively encouraged her to keep a happy outlook.”

With her arthritis also starting to cause her more problems, Edna says having access to the village nursing team and the physiotherapist who visits each week makes a big difference.

“Those professionals are available in rest home level of care.”

Both Edna and Wendy agree that the staff at the village are what makes it such a special place.

“I must mention the caring nursing staff, the bubbly Activities Coordinator Karin and of course, the administration girls,” says Edna.

“Chantelle, our Village Manager, is just great,” says Wendy. “A successful and happy village starts from the top and we were so excited when Bruce McLaren was named Village of the Year.

Edna recently celebrated her 98th birthday in the village, with Wendy joining in the fun too.

“It’s like when you’re on a plane. It’s the crew that makes the flight, not the aeroplane,” Wendy adds.

Edna says she’ll continue to recommend the different stages of village life to people.

“I’ve made some very special friends here and felt very safe and secure in village life. Everyone is so caring and the staff in general are really fabulous.

“The care is very good. I’m happy with village life… more than happy…,” she says.

“Happy as Larry!” adds Wendy with a grin.