Hear what our residents have to say

Ralph & Elaine say… Thanks to you and all your team for taking care of us and keeping us all safe we all appreciate your planning and care.

Hello and congratulations… Your efforts with the [Virtual Village & Wellbeing Hub]. In particular the (weekly) puzzle pack and daily online quiz….They are a fantastic innovation and something that enhances the Metlifecare experience.

Please pass this onto Glen and co upstairs.

It has been a busy and enjoyable eighteen months at Metlifecare’s The Poynton for resident John Thompson, who says the best things about life at the retirement village are the activities and the people.

A prime location

John, 83, lived on a lifestyle block in Coatesville for 15 years. In October 2017, he moved into his two-bedroom apartment at The Poynton, where he feels right at home.



I was attracted by its location. It’s close to Milford Beach, Takapuna and all the attractions that are around this area. Plus, the beautiful big bus stop just alongside it is a real asset,” says John.
Read more...

For John, The Poynton was an easy choice not just because of its prime spot in Takapuna but also for its warm, convivial and caring atmosphere.

Reassurance for family

John says his family is happy with his decision to make the move to the village. Having visited many times, they’re impressed with what The Poynton offers John, and that he is living life to the full.

“My family and friends are just thrilled that I am here. They’ve seen the happiness that has come about for me and they can obviously give credit to The Poynton. They’re happy because I’m happy,” John says.

First class activities

John keeps himself busy at The Poynton, engaging in a number of activities he describes as “first class”, and which give him the opportunity to spend time with his friends, old and new.

“The activities here are almost endless. Before I arrived, I was told by a friend who already lived here not to sign up to everything at the word go, or I’d be exhausted! So, I’ve chosen carefully and now I play bowls, I play croquet, a little table tennis and snooker – and there are lots of other things,” John says.

The activities are not the only thing John thinks are first class. He loves the social side of village life that introduces him to new people.

“The best experience is discovering such interesting and nice people, who are now my new neighbours. That’s the biggest surprise to me, I didn’t expect that,” says John.

“It’s a very sharing community but it isn’t invasive. You can choose what you want to do and how much you want to do,” he adds.

John’s advice

From his own experience, John recommends anyone considering moving into a retirement village should make the move while they’re active and able to take full advantage of the superb facilities, endless activities and the vibrant community life on offer.

“I’m not a long-time resident, but I’m a very happy resident in the eighteen months so far and look forward to many more years here,” John says.

Lois & Owen Jone say…Well done. The Staff here at Forest Lake have been magnificent and are going beyond the call of duty. They are the greatest.
Regards

Pru Giles is coming up to her 10th anniversary at The Poynton this August, Pru Giles reflects on a happy decade spent at the retirement village and her many special memories with residents, family and friends.

A great move

Pru, 73, is one of The Poynton Pioneers, the first group of 20 residents who moved into the village after it opened its doors in August 2009. This year, she celebrates a decade in her three-bedroom apartment.
Read more...

“What drew me to The Poynton was the lifestyle, and the fact I had always wanted to live in an apartment building. I just thought, rather than try and keep up with the maintenance on a big house, I would move in to an apartment and I haven’t regretted it,” says Pru, “It was a great move for me.”

Three generations

Pru and her family have a particularly special relationship with The Poynton, as she has spent the past decade developing cherished relationships with residents and staff.

“My friends and family think I am in the best place that I could possibly be. My children are especially happy knowing that I am safe and secure, and they can go away knowing that I am well looked after here,” Pru says.

In fact, Pru and her family loved The Poynton so much that not long after she arrived, her then 91-year-old mother moved from Adelaide to join her at the village.

“She had a serviced apartment, so I didn’t have to do anything for her because everything was looked after. We just enjoyed our time together, which we hadn’t previously because I had moved to New Zealand from Adelaide 51 years ago. So that was really special,” says Pru.

And for a time, there were four generations of Pru’s family at The Poynton. Not long after her mother’s arrival, her daughter, Natasha, came to stay with her as she prepared to bring Pru’s grandchild into the world.

“My grandson, Ben, who is nearly nine now, has virtually grown up at The Poynton, so he has lots of grandmas and grandpas here who think he’s marvellous as well. His nickname is Lord Poynton,” Pru says laughing.

“He was almost born here! Natasha went into labour at midnight and went across to the hospital and came back five days later with this beautiful baby. She stayed with me for six weeks,” adds Pru.

Security, friendship and lifestyle

There are many enjoyable aspects of life at The Poynton, says Pru, including the activities she has been involved in and the special occasions that the village offers.

“We’re so lucky! All I do is go down in the lift, I can have a glass of bubbly and not have to worry about drinking and driving. The Poynton hosts plenty of fantastic events, so we are never bored,” says Pru.

Pru enjoys a number of activities at the village including cards, musical events, bingo, rummikub and more. Her busy schedule of activities means Pru gets to know a wide circle of residents, forming a community that she describes as always being very warm and friendly.

“I’ve met so many people who have become great friends and we do quite a bit together. I’m very happy to have made a new group of friends here,” Pru says.

“I do also have friends outside the village who I can invite here to have dinner in the restaurant, which I find so much easier than trying to cook for all of them,” she adds.

An important element of village life that eases her worries is security. It is also something Pru’s family values about having their mum at The Poynton.

“Living in a big house down a right of way, my main concern was security. I love that we have wonderful staff here, who keep you secure and make you feel good,” says Pru, “and I always feel happy knowing our two night-watchmen are on duty. Knowing that they’re there, I think that’s been the most important part of coming here.”

My very dear and much loved Mum lost her husband and our step Dad of 47 years, days prior to Cov19 pandemic lockdown. We were unable to get together to grieve properly with our Mum. She also lost her youngest sister to cancer very close to this time. It was a wretched month.

Mum decided it was time to change her living situation by selling her home and moving into a retirement facility closer to our family. Mum told me that Elizabeth at Bayswater was wonderful supplying her with all the information and picture links and physical plans for an apartment that could be hers.
Read more...

I felt that she loved the property but was skeptical. I had also asked her to see other properties on the day, but she said no. She would see Bayswater and then if it didn’t work out she would look elsewhere.

We came into the apartment and everything changed. The apartment was everything as advertised and so much more. The quality of the finishes and the layout were fabulous. Mum and I stood in the living room looking at the beautiful view, both quite gob smacked. Wow, what a beautiful apartment. Mum was smiling and looked more at ease than I had seen in a very long time. She said quickly, this will work for me. It was a wonderful experience and a huge relief to me. I couldn’t wait to tell my sister and brother that Mum is going to be fine!

I have to say I have excitement about my future too. I am almost 60 years old and have often wondered how I might see out my golden years. I now have a clear plan. I would love a beautiful apartment like my Mum is getting.