‘Moving here was the best thing I ever did’ – how one customer found a community at Swift Court

After breaking her back, she struggled to get around her home and could no longer safely use the stairs. After losing her husband she became increasingly isolated and felt like a prisoner in her own home.

 That’s when she looked into rightsizing – moving into a home which better suits a person’s needs and lifestyle.

Life had become difficult 

Lesley said: “I lived in a four-bedroom townhouse, and I lived there with my family growing up. I found it a lovely area to live. However, in 2020, when my husband died and I experienced two other deaths, I became isolated.

“I broke my back five times in five years, I couldn't go up to the top floor and I struggled to get downstairs. My front room became my front room, my bedroom and my guest room.”

Lesley said she found the idea of moving to a new home with other people of retirement living age scary, but she voiced what she needed in a home and was given the opportunity to look round Swift Court – one of our retirement living schemes offering independent living alongside a strong sense of community.

She said: “It’s scary to move to a new place – it’s the hardest thing you'll ever do, because where you're coming from, you've got all your memories. You brought your kids up there, you have your neighbours, you’ve got your own little community.

Finding a community 

Lesley said that since moving in, she has made lots of new friends and has become part of a community that looks out for one another.

She has also set up a craft club.

She added: “The people who live here have a laugh, everyone's got their own personality and we’re all helping each other out.

“When I lived at my house, I spent a lot of time in bed so I started doing Diamonte Art and one day in the lounge I was asked what I was doing and then we started doing it in the afternoon together – but sometimes I spend hours chatting instead of doing the art.”

Advice for others

Lesley described herself as being spoiled for living at Swift Court and has some advice for those thinking about moving.

She said: “Moving was the best thing I ever did. I would have moved three years ago if I thought it was going to be like this. I waited and waited until I could hardly walk. If you're lonely and feel isolated, it's not going to get better unless you do something.

Finding out more 

Our Head of Care and Support Louise Oakley said Lesley’s experience shows the positive difference moving to a home that better suits your needs can make.

She said: “We know that deciding to move can feel daunting, especially when you've lived in the same home for many years. That's why we work closely with customers to understand what matters most to them and help them find a home that's right for them.

"It's fantastic to see Lesley thriving at Swift Court and becoming such an active part of the community. Hearing her describe the move as 'the best thing I ever did' really highlights the impact that rightsizing can have on people's lives.”

Lesley hopes her story encourages others who may be considering a move to explore their options and find out more about rightsizing.