The Later Living Village Boosting Retirees’ Wellbeing During the Pandemic
As the nation faced the challenges of Covid-19, award-winning later living village for over 60s Wadswick Green, located in Corsham, introduced a series of activities and initiatives to protect and help its residents during the extraordinary times.
Weekly ‘Balcony exercise classes’ were launched to allow residents to see each other and keep fit whilst maintaining social distancing. The classes involved a personal trainer leading the Zumba classes from the courtyard with loudspeakers. Residents continue to join in from their balcony or courtyard, with the trainer guiding and encouraging them along the way.
Commenting on the classes, resident Evelyn Pease, says: “The music and Maria’s bubbly personality helps light up a period that is very difficult for many of our neighbours.”
Weekly poetry readings, online quizzes, and craft packs are also readily available to residents, and every morning at 11am residents were encouraged to come out on to their balconies and wave to their neighbours.
Celia Hemken, whose parents live at the village says: “Whilst many of the activities and facilities closed in light of the Covid-19 crisis, my parents are still very active members of the community. My father takes part in weekly Zumba classes from the balcony in keeping with social distancing measures, and several of the hobby groups they are part of also continue to remain active online through social media and emails.
“The staff have been wonderful during this time. We receive newsletters every week with all the latest updates, and they’ve set up a pop-up shop in the spa so residents can get all their essentials without having to leave the development.”
Wadswick Green is home to retirees who are semi or fully retired and want to live an activity-rich life in a friendly community. Set at the heart of the rolling Wiltshire countryside, the lifestyle village features one, two and three bedroom apartments with exclusive access to a number of village-wide amenities.
The 25-acre site is surrounded by mature trees and rolling farmland, and the landscaped flower beds are full of spring flowers creating a colourful and beautiful environment for residents to enjoy. A series of new benches have been installed for residents to use when out on their daily allocated exercise.
Wadswick Green’s latest phase, Ash Lane, was launched in February. Comprising 45 modern one, two and three bedroom apartments, the apartments feature spacious open plan living rooms and kitchens, balconies with views of the countryside, and bathrooms with easily accessible walk-in-showers. Although temporarily closed until further notice, residents can enjoy the village facilities including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym and hair salon, and the popular restaurant The Greenhouse. Those who need it can also receive 24/7 care support through the resident Rangeford Care team.
To find out more call 01225 220 948 or visit www.rangefordvillages.co.uk
