Maureen’s story: “The staff are just amazing”

Maureen*, aged 92, moved to Auckland from Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake. She was in a retirement village there that was badly affected. Fortunately, her son was living in a flat in Howick at the time and said she could move in with him.

“I didn’t have anywhere else to go so I was very grateful that my son offered me the flat,” she explains. “There really was nowhere to go in Christchurch.”

For a number of years, she was happy living there – she says the flat was peaceful and quiet and she enjoyed the garden. However, being new to the area, she was finding it difficult to make new connections.

“It was very hard to meet new people at my age, but I’m a person who is happy with my own company and I always have things to do and look forward to.”

Maureen’s doctor suggested she move into a more supported living environment, a move that has changed her life. “While it was another big step for me, HBH is absolutely perfect,” she says.

“I enjoy many of the activities, I have a bit of a garden and my room here is very comfortable. But what makes HBH truly special is the care – the love that is here,” she says. “The staff are just amazing.”

“None of these decisions are easy, but when I look back I made the right decision for me and it has all turned out for the best.”

*Name changed to protect identity.