Life at Westall through the eyes of resident Sylvia

A new chapter of independence and support for Sylvia at Westall House

At Westall House Independent Living, we believe the best way to understand what life is like in our community is to hear it directly from the people who live here. Transitioning to independent living is a major milestone, and it often comes after a lifetime of looking after a family home.

Today, we are sharing a personal account from Sylvia, who joined us in August 2023. After a recovery period that made managing her old house difficult, she decided to make the move. Here, she shares how she found a new sense of ease while maintaining the independence she values.

My new chapter at Westall

“I moved to Westall in August 2023, following a period of life that was quite a whirlwind. Before coming here, I had been living independently in a local village. It was a home I loved dearly, filled with a beautiful garden and so many precious family memories. However, things changed after I had to undergo a back operation. I ended up spending seven months in hospital, and the real challenge began when I realised, I simply couldn’t manage my home and garden as easily as I used to.”

Taking the first step

“Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to move. It is incredibly hard to leave a home you’ve built a life in, but my family suggested it because they felt I needed a little more support. They were a huge help during the entire process. I had originally intended to buy my next property, but because I had to wait for my house to sell, I decided to carry on renting. It turned out to be a great way to settle in without any extra pressure.”

Finding my rhythm

“Since moving in, I’ve found a way of living that suits me perfectly. I’m someone who is quite happy in my own company, but I love knowing that there are people to chat with whenever I want. I really enjoy the monthly coffee mornings here in independent living, and I look forward to the daily visits from the wellbeing team. While I don’t often head over to the activities in the adjoining care home unless it’s a special occasion, I stay active in my own way.

“I make sure to go for walks around the grounds and I get out at least once a week to visit the shops or spend time with my family. While transport can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for me, the friendliness of the community here makes a big difference.”

A brighter outlook

“One of the best parts of being at Westall is the peace of mind. I no longer have the constant worries about the upkeep of a house and garden. All those chores that were becoming difficult are now a thing of the past. Even though I’ve moved, I haven’t lost my connection to the outdoors; I still benefit from a wonderful view every single day.

“It was a big change, but Westall is a lovely, friendly place, and I’ve found a balance of independence and support that works for me.”