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8 | THE REVIEW MARCH 2026 A moving experience - life after independent living Cerebral Palsy Societymember and Christchurch resident, Allison Franklin, writes about moving from living in her own home to residential care. By ALLISON FRANKLIN Last July I “put myself into care”. After 46 years of independent living, including the last 35 years in the house my father had left me, the time had come when I knew I needed on-going support. In the previous few years, I had noticed a significant deterioration in my balance and energy levels. It became harder just to do basic domestic chores. Grocery shopping and cooking became arduous; washing dishes, which I’ve always enjoyed, was hard work. I was only getting 1.5 hours home help a week, and sometimes carers didn’t turn up at all. I went out socially less often and so became more isolated. I had some significant falls and began to feel unsafe living alone. I was 66 and so knew I was eligible for aged care. Getting an assessment for residential care took a bit of doing, but I persisted and in April 2025 I was deemed eligible for care. Finding the right care facility was important to me. I checked out one retirement facility, but the rooms were small and I suspect the under-pinning philosophy of the place would not have suited me. I wanted somewhere I could enjoy life, have friends visit and have a bit of space. I had been visiting my friend Dorothy at a care centre, part of a retirement village built about 5 years ago. Light and modern, it feels quite like a hotel! I met with the sales manager, then returned with my brother Mark. A second pair of eyes and another opinion is always useful. We saw about five care suites and I liked the last one best. There was a good-sized living area with a kitchen bench, cupboards and a small fridge. The en suite was very flash and big enough to accommodate a walker. But the best thing was the large bedroom, the biggest we’d seen. I was very keen to keep my large computer desk, and I knew straight away it would fit neatly into a corner of the room. The living area has a bi-fold sliding door that opens on to an attractive internal courtyard. Naturally, being the largest care suite, it was the most expensive to buy into. Had I been on my own, I may have worried about spending top dollar, but Mark said, “go for the best”. So I did! The actual move went very smoothly. My brother, nephew and great-nephew did the manhandling and everything was done in an hour or so. A nurse came in while Mark was assembling my computer desk and started asking him about my care needs. I was standing right there! Mark had to keep saying “ask Allison...talk to Allison”. I was both amused and annoyed. Meals can be delivered to my suite. Early on, I tried eating in the dining room a few times, but it wasn’t successful. I’m Above: CP Society member Allison Franklin. Photo: Doug Mountain Photography. FEATURE