“I feel safe and secure and there are lots of people around and a carer on site 24/7, so if we need help it’s there. I love my flat it’s very homely and accessible.”
Both Pat and Rita moved into Queensway in the summer of 2015. Pat moved from Lincolnshire from a small village but after her husband passed away and her health worsened, she moved to be close to her son who lives close by to the scheme. This is when she met Rita.
Rita’s sister and daughter who were both also at the scheme were good friends with Pat. After they both sadly passed away, Pat gave her condolences to Rita and at a later date made arrangements to go for lunch. They have been lunching ever since.
On their friendship Rita said: “She is always there for me when I need her. She listens to my woes, and I know I can trust her and talk about anything.”
Pat adds “She is always there if I need her and keeps me in check. If I need anything and Rita is able, she will do it. If I need Rita she is always on the end of the phone.”
Rita and Pat spend a lot of time together at the scheme, they are both avid knitters and run the knit and natter group together at Queensway which they really enjoy. They also knit for the premature baby unit for Warwick hospital. The two go out on our scooters together to the park or to the shops, attend the exercise classes and even go to the bar on a Saturday night where they hold events like race nights.
“Pat also goes to church, and I go to bingo because I am the naughty one.”
On living at Queensway and it’s benefits Rita said: “I speak to lots of different people and it’s the companionship element for me. I know most people living here by their first name.
I have been on holidays with groups, and I am never alone unless I choose to be. There are support staff on site to help me when needed. For example, I had a fall this morning and I pressed my pendant, and the carers were with me straight away. I love my apartment and I feel very safe.”
Pat added: “I feel safe and secure and there are lots of people around and a carer on site 24/7, so if we need help it’s there. I love my flat it’s very homely and accessible.”
We believe that having a sense of community unites us. It can give us the opportunity to connect with people and improve our wellbeing by helping us feel safe and secure. Communal living for older adults gives residents a sense of physical, emotional, and economic security, as well as reduced social isolation.
For a feature in our campaign, simply share with us what you are doing to make your community a #APlacetoBelong by emailing campaigns@orbit.org.uk with details of how you are getting involved, no matter how big or small and you could receive a £20 ‘Love to Shop’ voucher if your story is featured.
For all of this and more make sure to visit our Good Neighbour Hub, where we will be featuring stories, sharing resources and promoting any future competitions. Our campaign updates will feature on our social media so make sure to follow us by searching @OrbitHelp on Facebook and Twitter
