No regrets after the big move
People
Considering moving into retirement or residential living? In the first of our advice-based relocation series, we chat to a couple who took the leap and haven’t looked back.
When John Doherty looks back at 88 years well-lived (and still going strong), he is certain of one thing.
“Next to marrying my wife Nan, this was the best thing I ever did,” he says.
“We have never, ever had one second of regret.”
John isn’t talking about his long career as a commercial radio presenter and television newsreader, his time as chairman of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, or the services to the community that earned him a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2005.
He is referring to the day he and Nan moved into Southern Cross Care’s Waterford Retirement Living complex at Myrtle Bank.
“We bought off the plan in 2008 and moved in here in August of 2010 after coming to the conclusion that we wanted to be settled into the next phase of our life by around our mid-70s,” John says.
The couple lived in Sydney before moving back to Adelaide to raise their three children in Kensington Gardens and Kensington Park.
“We lived in each house for 18 years,” John says. “I never thought Nan would leave our old home in Kensington Gardens. It wasn’t overly big, but it was on a very big block of land. We had a big garden with swimming pool which was wonderful for entertaining, particularly for the kids.”
During their move to Kensington Park, they learnt a valuable lesson: less is more.
“We raised and educated the children there, then of course they deserted us, as children do. In the late 80s/early 90s, we thought we should look at what the next step was.”
That leap was apartment living within Southern Cross Care’s Lourdes Valley Precinct.
“We had a couple of friends who lived in the Heritage apartments, which was originally the old convent built and run by d the Little Sisters of the Poor. We’d also heard of the Coach House Mews; small independent homes here on the property, so we originally put our names down for one of those.”
When their friend, the late David Wark OAM who worked for Southern Cross Care for more than 30 years, told them about the new build, they knew it was up their alley. The rest is history. “We’re on the northwest corner on the second level,” John says.
“We look straight down toward the ocean and straight into Ridge Park. We can also see the city. It’s a good position.”
The Waterford comprises 51 open-plan apartments and onsite Crystal Cafe.
“We love the camaraderie of the other residents without getting in each other’s way,” John says. “We like to help people get involved with things like the trivia, or the football tipping quiz. A lot of residents make their own fun playing bridge or Mahjong. Groups sit out here in the mornings and there’s a popular knitting group. We have lunch here every day.”
John’s broadcast voice is put to use during onsite events like the Melbourne Cup luncheon or readings at the chapel.
“The acoustics in the chapel are just fantastic.”
Fittingly, John and Nan married at The Monastery across the road in 1961 and are still active members of St Paul of the Cross (Glen Osmond/Parkside parish).
“Nan is in the Vintage Voices choir which was established here many years ago,” John says. “They give the occasional performance and the lady who looks after them is Josephite nun Majella O’Sullivan. She’s amazing.”
Nan, who was a nurse originally from Millicent, also runs the onsite library. It all makes for an active social life.
“We know everybody, and everybody knows us, but we don’t get in each other’s way unless somebody requires something,” John says.
“There’s a gym, a spa, a health and wellness area, two cafes and a community garden. We also have a buggy which I drive around the whole complex.”
With permission, of course.
After 14 years of home sweet home, there have been losses.
“For the first five or six years, there was no movement… no deaths, no sickness,” John says. “Over the years now, we’ve had a number of deaths and quite a number of people have moved in over at The Lodge [Lourdes Valley Residential Care] but that’s just old age. It is what it is.”
When newcomers arrive, John is quick to greet them with a ‘g’day, how are you going?’ and offers to help get their fridge or air conditioning going.
Of all the lessons learnt, John says downsizing is imperative before making the big move. He’ll never forget the time one resident moved in and could barely move for all their possessions.
“Their door was open, but I couldn’t see them. I could just hear their voice from the end of the hallway.”
His other word of advice: “Put your name down. There’s often a waiting list to get in.”
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