retirement Archives - Chevrons Living

Chevrons Living’s Veterans Hub now free to attend thanks to Ringwood and District Round Table Donation

Chevrons Living — Thu, 16 May 2024 11:46:11 +0000

The monthly Veterans’ Hub at Chevrons Living, Fordingbridge’s retirement community is now free to attend after a generous donation of £500 from Ringwood and District Round Table, a Hampshire community group that gives donations to worthy causes.

Formed in 2019, the Ringwood and District Round Table is made up of young men, aged between 18 and 45, with the aim to have fun, make friends and try new things, all the while raising money for charity and getting involved in the local community.

Free of charge to all veterans and their families aged 18 and over, the Veterans’ Hub at Chevrons Living runs from 10 am – 12 pm on the third Thursday of every month. The friendly, informal event strives to provide a safe and positive environment for veterans and their family to socialise, make new friends, and enjoy a bacon or sausage bap cooked by Chevrons Living’s friendly staff.

Chairperson Francis Charlton and committee member Mark Frost, himself a former Marine, were both left hugely impressed by Chevrons’ commitment to the community. They visited the development at the last veterans’ hub to present the cheque to Chevrons Living’s CEO Barry Robbins. They also noted the retirement’s luxurious living spaces, exclusively designed for veterans and former emergency service personnel, and the new bed and breakfast facilities, which recently opened for short-term respite breaks for veterans and caregivers.

Mark said: “Our shared goal is not to become yet another ‘social club,’ but to put back into our community and to inspire others to do the same. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to donate £500 to Chevrons Living on behalf of the Ringwood and District Round Table. This donation will ensure that future Veterans Hubs will continue to be free to attend, making sure this vital service remains accessible to all.”

Barry said: “We are extremely grateful to the Ringwood and District Round Table for its generous donation. Having a Veterans Hub in the local area is extremely important, as it provides a safe and welcoming space for our veterans to come together, share experiences, and support one another.

“This kind of community engagement is invaluable in ensuring that those who have served our country continue to feel recognised and supported. The donation from the Ringwood and District Round Table will help us to expand our services and enhance the quality of our gatherings, making each event more meaningful for our veterans. We are committed to maintaining and growing this vital resource in our community.”

The next Veterans Hub will be held on Thursday, 16th May and there is no need to book ahead. For more information on Chevrons Living, or if you have any questions, please email admin@chevronsliving.com or phone 01425 200428.

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Fordingbridge’s Chevrons Living to provide free PTSD therapy for the region’s veterans

Chevrons Living — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:19:35 +0000

Fordingbridge retirement development, Chevrons Living, will be offering free therapy for veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The respite and retirement complex will host Counsellor, Intuitive Life Coach, and Holistic Practitioner, Joanne Sims, who will be providing individual Rewind Therapy (RT) sessions. Sessions will be available twice a month to residents of Chevrons Living who meet the criteria for Rewind therapy.

These consultations will be conducted in a strictly confidential setting, assuring the privacy and comfort of all attendees.

Joanne, who launched her coaching and therapy service, Joanne Sims Wellbeing, in 2019, said: “I’m passionate about providing holistic and a ‘person-centred’ care approach for every person, and strongly believe that wellbeing is for all, no matter the person’s situation.

“By partnering with Chevrons Living in their ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of veterans, we are pleased to offer these sessions at no cost to them, subject to an initial assessment prior to commencing their treatment. Additionally, the therapy is open to other individuals living with PTSD, for which a fee of £260 for assessment, treatment and follow up session will be applicable.”

Internationally recognised to rapidly treat PTSD, RT has been considered a successful alternative to many exposure therapies, as it does not require the patient to disclose any details of their trauma.

“People have seen great results with RT, as it efficiently helps traumatised individuals to reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that doesn’t require them actually discussing the traumatic incident itself which understandably appeals to many people – that’s why it’s known as closure without disclosure,” said Joanne. ” Most of the time, patients only need two or three sessions, and studies show that they experience a significant decrease in their symptoms on completion of the treatment.”

In the UK, approximately 6.665 million individuals are expected to experience PTSD or Complex PTSD during their lifetime. When reporting accurate figures, PTSD among veterans is challenging to quantify accurately due to underreporting.

However, despite the overall low incidence rate of PTSD at 0.1% (or 1 in 1,000 individuals), studies have identified a significantly elevated risk among military personnel who have been deployed to conflict zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Specifically, these veterans face a 70% increased risk of developing PTSD compared to those who have not been deployed.

Those living with PTSD can experience a range of symptoms, often debilitating. The condition can show up as unwanted memories, nightmares, and flashbacks of a traumatic event, making someone feel like it’s happening all over again. It can also lead to strong upset or physical reactions to things that remind them of the trauma, making them avoid certain places and feel very down or disconnected from others.

Barry Robbins, CEO of Chevrons Living said: “We believe that everyone who has served should have the opportunity to live with peace and tranquillity.

“Partnering with Joanne Sims Wellbeing to offer Rewind Trauma Therapy is a pivotal step towards providing the care and support that our servicemen and women deserve. It is just one of the ways we can show gratitude for their contributions, by ensuring they have access to effective treatments for PTSD.”

For more info on the Rewind Therapy at Chevrons Living, please call Joanne on 07470 598600 or email Joanne at admin@joannesimswellbeing.com

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Fordingbridge’s Chevrons Living offers respite breaks for veterans and caregivers across the South-East

Chevrons Living — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:50:11 +0000

Chevrons Living in Fordingbridge has announced it is offering short-term respite breaks for veterans and caregivers across the South-East. The New Forest rental development – designed for active seniors, veterans and former emergency service personnel – is offering 3-, 5- and 7-night stays at a discounted, fixed rate of £100 per night, no matter the day or month.

With breakfast included, the initiative is specifically aimed at providing local caregivers aged 18+ with an opportunity for a much-needed respite, allowing them to recharge in a setting that combines style with comfort. Veterans who are looking for places to stay for short breaks are also very welcome.

Situated at the gateway to the New Forest, Chevrons Living has several designed studios – all with double beds and some with separate living areas. It also has two apartments – one suitable for two people and another that sleeps four.

All the accommodation is en-suite and comes with wardrobes, beds, furniture, and small kitchens or kitchenettes. Guests will also have access to a community ‘hub’ room, with local information and computer access as well as an elegant dining area with an in-house chef. There will be different catering options available from breakfast, half board and full board.

Outside, there are beautifully landscaped community gardens with a barbecue and patio area, while the crown jewel of the development is the stylish Elizabeth Bar. The bar will offer guests of Chevrons Living the chance to socialise or enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

Barry Robbins, CEO of Chevrons Living said: “Veterans and caregivers are the absolute heroes of our society. We are all about respecting and rewarding service at Chevrons Living. Caregivers offer an invaluable role within our communities, and we want to serve those who serve. With this initiative, we are not just offering a place to stay; we are providing a haven where they can find solace and rejuvenation. It’s our way of acknowledging their unwavering dedication and ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve.”

Barry added: “If you’re interested or know someone who might be interested in a short break, please call us on 01425 200 428 or email reservations@chevronsliving.co.uk. We’d love to show you around the development and share what we have to offer.”

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Is moving closer to your family a good thing?

Chevrons Living — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:01:22 +0000

Moving closer to family when you’re older might seem like an easy decision to make on the surface. Better connections, help at hand and more opportunities to see your grandchildren for starters.

But for many people, it can be a more complex decision than it seems at first thought.

You may have strong roots in the area you live in now, stable social connections and you might really love the place that you live. These aren’t easy things to leave behind.

Deciding whether it’s right to move closer to family is a decision that you need to give careful thought and consideration to.

We’ve outlined some of the things you might want to think about.

Can you afford to move to the area?

Moving closer to your family may seem idyllic, but what sort of house or flat would you be able to buy or rent? Property and rent prices can vary hugely between areas so take some time to consider whether you can afford to maintain your current lifestyle where your family lives.

Is there affordable accommodation for retired people? Would you have to downsize in order to move there? How far would your budget stretch and what might you have to compromise on?

Things like Council Tax and utility bills can also vary from region to region so it’s worthwhile comparing prices and plans well in advance to give you an accurate picture of what it will cost to live there.

Even prices of food and meals out can be different depending on the local area, so a little research will help give you an informed picture.

Will it affect your quality of life?

You may have established strong social connections and have stable access to clubs and groups that you regularly attend where you currently live. In fact, according to research by AgeUK, creative and cultural participation is the biggest factor in wellness later in life. So it’s understandable if you’re reluctant to leave this behind to be closer to family.

Start investigating whether the clubs or activities you enjoy are available in the area that your family lives in. If they do run, find out how far you’d need to travel to get to them or if they’re on an accessible bus route.

There are, however, some huge positives to moving closer to your family for a better quality of life. Even back in 2017, researchers were beginning to discover that close family connections helped older people avoid loneliness and live longer. Being closer to your family can have a hugely positive effect on your social life and your connection with them.

There’s also a benefit to having family close at hand if you need help getting to hospital or medical appointments, or out and about to do shopping or errands.

Can you maintain your independence?

You might still want to live a full and independent life, so moving closer to your family needs to be able to blend connection and community with independence and flourishing.

How you maintain your independence is up to you. You might want to look at renting a room in a retirement community, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect and have a full social life while removing the hassle of maintaining a property.

Or you might want to buy and live somewhere by yourself, that is central to shops and amenities and on convenient bus routes for getting you out and about.

Independence might look slightly different now from how it did in the past, but it’s important that you consider what you want from moving closer to family. Any compromises you make need to be ones that you’re happy with in the long run.

How do your family feel?

This might seem like an unusual question, but it’s important to factor in how your family feel about your move. Are you hoping to move closer to them and see them every day? Will they have time for that, or will they want to see you regularly? Are you hoping that they will care for you as you get older? Have you had this discussion? Do they want you to move closer so that you can look after your grandchildren, and is this something you want to commit to?

It’s vital that you both understand what you’re hoping to achieve from the move so there’s no confusion or hidden expectations.

It may be a difficult conversation to have, but it will save potential disruption and disappointment further down the road if you’re all clear on what moving closer to your family will look like and how it might work.

Before you take the plunge and move closer to your family, it’s important that you ask yourself all these important questions. It’s a big decision and one that has to be right for you.

If you’re considering moving to the New Forest to be closer to your family, then why not come and take a look around our retirement community to see if it’s a good fit for you? Email us info@chevronsliving.com or call on 01425 200 428.

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Key things to ask yourself before deciding to downsize

Chevrons Living — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:46:38 +0000

At a certain point in your life, you’ll probably start thinking about downsizing. Perhaps you already have?

The decision to downsize is often driven by very practical reasons but the emotional upheaval that comes with it can make the choice much more confusing and harder to make.

At Chevrons, we’ve pulled together some key things to think about if you’re considering downsizing, with tips and advice to help you get the full picture before you make the change.

Why do I want to downsize?
Think about why you want to downsize. Is it for practical reasons like difficulty walking up and downstairs, being closer to family and friends, or are you finding the upkeep of your property too challenging or expensive?

Or is it emotional? Are you finding it hard to live in a space that you once shared with someone else? Are you lonely or you’re finding that the neighbourhood you live in has changed, and you don’t feel as connected to it as you once did?

Knowing what’s driving your decision to downsize is important. It will help you to understand what’s important to you moving forward and what you need to look for in your next home, so that you’re happy there.

What are the financial implications for me if I downsize?
Whether you’re renting or you own a property, there are financial elements to consider when you downsize.

Will you be saving money on bills, rent, ground rent or your mortgage if you still have one? If you own a property, looking at how the current housing market is performing is important. If you moved now, would you lose money? Or if you want to move quickly, how long will it realistically take in the current market? If time is of the essence, then consider that you might have to sell for a lower price to appeal to buyers.

If you’re a home owner that’s considering downsizing, and you want to use some of the equity you have in your house to gift money to your children or grandchildren, then it’s worth keeping in mind the potential tax implications for you and for them. Consulting with a financial advisor is important so that you know your obligations and what it could mean for your family if you pass away.

They can also help you to plan, so that you can be confident you can afford where you are moving to.

Do I want to relocate?
If your decision to downsize also comes with the possibility of relocating, then it’s important to carefully consider where you want to live.

Moving closer to family and friends can be a real pull as you get older, but you need to know if the community you’ll be living in has everything you need to be happy. What are the amenities and local transport links like? This is particularly important if you don’t drive.

Can you live relatively close to all the important services and facilities, or would you have to live further out? This could be difficult if you want to be somewhere where everything is within a short distance.

What sort of local communities and clubs are there for you to be involved in? Staying active and social is important as you get older, so finding somewhere that actively encourages this is vital to your wellbeing.

If relocating isn’t right for you, but you want to have more help around the home then consider looking at assisted living or community living to give you more hands-on help.

Do I rent or buy somewhere else?
Home ownership comes with a lot of responsibility, even if you downsize, you’re still going to need to spend money and time with the upkeep so make sure it’s manageable for you now and in the future.

Renting can help you with a lot of these costs as the bigger up-keep is no longer your responsibility. You might need some help with the garden or cleaning every couple of weeks, but these are smaller, lower-cost jobs.

Alternatively, renting a room in a community living space could be a sensible choice if you want to remove any hassle with day-to-day living. Shared community spaces, bills and outside spaces are likely to be covered by your rent. You may even have access to free transport and groups and social events that all add up to large savings.

Weigh up your options of renting and owning. What was wrong for you in the past, might not necessarily be wrong for you now.

I haven’t sold a property for a while, what can I do to help it sell?
If you own your house, and you’ve lived there for a while, the upkeep may have got harder during the last few years. Your house might be looking a little dated or have some off-putting elements for potential buyers.

Spending a bit of money giving your house a fresh lick of paint, a new carpet, upgrading old appliances, painting kitchen cabinets or tidying up the garden can help give your house extra appeal to buyers. Not everyone wants a project, and moving house is already expensive. If you can show buyers that there’s very little to do, your house will stand out from others on the market.

Saga has a handy list of things that have the potential to put off buyers, so you can give your house the best chance it has of selling.

How do I deal with the emotions of downsizing?
Leaving a family home with memories of happy times can be emotional. Give yourself time. There’s no rush.

Taking to walk through all the steps and things to consider will help you to come to terms with the emotions and make them easier to move through.

If you know you’re going to have to de-clutter and leave items behind because they are too big or there are simply too many, then start the process as early as you can. Even before you’ve made the decision to move. This will help it to feel more manageable and give you time to consider what to do with sentimental items.

You don’t have to get rid of everything. Prioritise items that hold the most value to you and consider whether they could have a different use. You could turn old items of clothing into a patchwork quilt or blanket, gift items of furniture to children or grandchildren or give some to charity where you know they will be used and loved. And if you’re moving into a rental accommodation or community space, ask about what you can bring. You’ll want your room to feel like home and it’s those little touches that really count.

If you’re not sure how to start, sort your items into ‘Go’, ‘Keep’ and ‘Not Sure’ piles to help you make the decision whether to keep or not. For any items that you’re not sure of, renting a storage unit in the short term can help buy you more time so that you don’t have to rush any decisions.

Moving home at any stage in life is a huge upheaval, doing it when you’re older can be hugely challenging.

If you’re in the New Forest, or you’re considering moving here, and you want to come and explore Chevrons Independent Living, a brand new retirement community in Hampshire, then email info@chevronsliving.com or call us on 01425 200 428 to arrange a time to pop in.

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Thinking About Moving to a Retirement Village in Hampshire? Here are the things you should consider…

Chevrons Living — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:27:55 +0000

Are you looking for the right retirement village in Hampshire? Making the decision to move to a retirement community is a big one. Sometimes, it’s a decision made of choice, other times it’s made from necessity.

It’s understandable that there will be a whole host of emotions that come along with it. But in recent research by Promatura International, the largest and most in-depth survey ever conducted of UK Retirement Community residents and prospective residents showed that retirement community residents feel more in control of their lives. Also, by a wide margin residents of retirement communities believe that their lives are better now.

Residents were significantly more likely than non-residents to have enjoyed life and been happy and were significantly less likely to have been lonely than non-residents during the week before they completed the survey.

It can be a rewarding and fulfilling step for you to take. But how do you choose a retirement community that is right for you? How do you know that you’ll be happy there? And will you be giving up your independence if you move?

You’ve probably got a lot of questions. So, here are some tips and guidance to help you make the right decision if you’re thinking about moving to independent living in Hampshire.

Choosing a retirement village in Hampshire
Perhaps you’ve lived in Hampshire for a long time, and you don’t want to leave the county – and home – that you know and love. Or maybe you’re relocating to Hampshire to be closer to family and friends.

It’s important that you consider the things that you value, want and need to make your new home, and life, happy and fulfilling. It’s not simply location that’s important, or being close to family and friends, but looking at the environment you’ll be living in, the opportunities on offer and life outside of your new home to make sure your move is a positive one.

There might be other things you need to consider too – like what facilities the retirement village has, how big (or small) it is, and what sort of help is on offer to help you thrive in your retirement years.

Picking the right retirement community
Community is essential to keep connected with the people around you and for you to feel at home. And as you age, it’s even more important to find a sense of community – evidence shows that good connections and close ties with other people support your brain health and help to stop loneliness.

But it’s a fine line. You still need to feel like you can live independently and enjoy your own space and time when you need to. Finding out what the community of people is like, who you will be living close to, is essential.

Chevrons Living is a small retirement village in Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest, aimed at serving those who have served. You can read a bit more about our mission, but we want to build a small community of people who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

Building a sense of camaraderie is important to us, and the people who live here, so they can feel supported and nurtured.

Visiting us, or any other retirement community, should be your first step to helping you decide if it’s right for you. Chatting with the management team, fellow residents and the staff will help you to get a feel for it.

How big is it? Would you prefer a smaller, or larger space? What sort of events do they run? Are there activities happening regularly that you enjoy and would want to get involved in? How well connected is the retirement village to the local community? Are the residents friendly and easy to get along with?

These questions will give you answers that will help to inform your decision.

Looking for a retirement village in Hampshire
If you already live in Hampshire, it might be important to you to stay local. If you’re looking for a retirement village in Hampshire because you’re relocating, it’s important to look at the location of the community and how well connected it is.

We emphasise to our residents that you nurture your independence when you move into our accommodation, so that you can live life to the full. Choosing a location that’s got good transport links, excellent local services like supermarkets, GP surgeries, health clinics, and pharmacies, and, of course, a great choice of local pubs, cafes and open spaces, is vital for you to maintain your sense of independence and wellbeing.

Take some time to consider the locations of the retirement homes you’re looking at and see whether they can provide you with what you need locally. Tourist offices can be helpful to get a picture of things to do locally, whether it’s walking, heading to church or going to the cinema, and local councils can provide you with information on facilities and services.

Here in Fordingbridge, our local council has plenty of helpful links to local walking groups, public spaces, places of worship and local groups and societies. If you have a specialist need, either with your health or physical ability, then it’s important to find out if the local community can cater for it.

Doing plenty of research means that you can make a more informed decision.

Finding somewhere caring, that’s not a care home
Moving to a retirement village doesn’t mean you’re moving into a care home. Our retirement village in Hampshire is designed to improve your quality of life but without compromising your independence.

And there’s evidence to suggest that moving into a retirement community actually helps residents to feel more in control of their lives. When you’re choosing somewhere to spend your retirement, and possibly your first big move in many years, you want it to feel like home – your home.

Have a think about the things that are important to you that would make a difference to how it feels.

These could be:
• Home cooked food
• Easy access to transport (a dedicated minibus, for example)
• Space to have private meetings or personal appointments
• A cosy, well-equipped room where you can cook for yourself if you want
• Caring and attentive staff – from management to support staff
• Great facilities and services like laundry, Wi-Fi, cleaning and cooking
• Peace and quiet when you need it
• Space to relax, have a cup of tea and read the paper
• A place to play games and chat with your friendly community

Drawing up a list of the things that are important to you, to make your new home feel like home, will help you to decide which retirement village is right for you.

It’s not an easy decision, but hopefully these tips help you to choose a retirement village in Hampshire that improves your quality of life and lets you live your retirement to the fullest.

If you want to come and explore Chevrons Independent Living, a brand-new retirement community in Hampshire, we’d love to show you round. Email us at admin@chevronsliving.com or call us on 01425 200 428 to arrange a time to suit.

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