What residents say about Living Choice

From house to new home

After living in a 3-bedroom home with granny flat for eight years circumstances caused my wife and I to look further afield for retirement homes and villages.

Our next home looked great, close to the shops and transport, but a phone call told us they would only keep the accommodation for 14 days (impossible) as we had to put the house on the market.

The house was sold in November, we moved into Leisure Lea Gardens and we are both happy with the staff, facilities and accommodation.

John & Jean Dennis

Courtesy a number one priority

I am a resident at Leisure Lea Gardens Village in a Supported Living apartment.

I have been here for four years and six months.

Courtesy is a number one priority from all the staff. This includes kitchen, carers, office staff, the maintenance man and gardener.

Russell Gibbs

The best decision I have ever made

I came to Leisure Lea Gardens towards the end of 1984, so I am now in my 27th year as a resident and coming here was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

This is a wonderful place to live. The staff members are wonderful and care for all our needs and likes and dislikes in a way one could never imagine. This applies also to the kitchen staff and the food they prepare for us.

Win Grecian

I knew Mum would be happy here

After my father died I was at a loss to replace the familiar, warm environment of home for my mother. It seemed increasingly impossible to replace the companionship of a lifetime companion for her, particularly for someone in her mid-eighties who now needed some extra domestic support.

Six months down the track Mum has indeed settled in and is back to her old self. However, probably the one most outstanding contributing factor to her comfort and one which I could not have predicted at the outset is the fantastic quality of the staff.

Linda Matthews, daughter of Janet Grey

I moved to Leisure Lea 15 years ago. My daughter lived nearby and she told me of this lovely place. I've been very happy here. There are good facilities and the village is close to transport and only a few minutes from the Macquarie Centre. And having my sister Elizabeth living in the village is a great plus.

Queenie Faulkner - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood

When my husband died I found the family home too big and the gardens too much work for me to stay there, so I sold. I'd visited Queenie many times at Leisure Lea and could see how happy she was, so I came here.

I still have a very busy life and go out nearly every day. I can be in the city within the hour or at the Macquarie Centre within minutes on the bus. But even if you don't want to venture outside the village there is plenty to do.

Queenie and I both live in self-care units and cook for ourselves. I visit her on Saturday evenings for dinner and then on Sunday she comes over to my unit for a meal. We have a great life here.

Elizabeth Lenehan - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood

I. Location. The village is located in a wonderful position on the corner of Epping & Vimiera Roads, Marsfield.   It is very near Macquarie Centre, an excellent transport hub, from which train services radiate into the City, the main Northern line, & to the North Shore via Chatswood as well as bus services in all directions.  Outside our door bus services allow us to commute direct with the City to the Queen Victoria Building, as well as in many other directions.  Since my retirement, I spend some time at a Radio Station at St. Leonards , which is also quite conveniently situated. Although I presently have a car and a driving license I feel the location of the village will continue to be of value to me in the future when I shall be less mobile.

2. Clubs.   As a rugby union lover, I find the easy access to the T.G.Millner field allows me to spend winter Saturday afternoons watching the best club rugby in Sydney in the congenial atmosphere with Eastwood.   Additionally there is the excellent food provided by Wing's Restaurant at very competitive prices.

The Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club presently own the old Eastwood Bowling Club where the smorgasbord provided by the Top Choice Restaurant is almost certainly among the best value in Sydney.

3.  Shops.   The Macquarie Centre provides variety and a pleasant atmosphere in the near vicinity, while Parramatta, Hornsby, Carlingford, Top Ryde and Epping are within easy reach.

4. Hospitals.    I am told that Ryde, Hornsby, Royal North Shore & Concord can all be reached directly by bus.

5. The Village.  I consider myself very fortunate to be situated in a unit which is the ideal size for my needs with a delightful outlook near all the main action in the atrium. The social activities, including carpet bowls and darts with the LLL club, provide a friendly & relaxed atmosphere, as also do the outings arranged for us by the Residents Committee.   I like the concept of being able to remain in my present self-care unit in the longer term when I may possibly require a greater degree of service and assistance. I am happy with the friendly & co-operative attitude of the staff, together with the provision of meals in the village.

Keith Glendinning - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - 21 Oct, 2011

Having lived in Eastwood for 15 years, my move to Leisure Lea Gardens was the best choice for me. I knew the great position of the village and getting out and about by bus and train meant a lot to me being a non-driver.  

It was the friend;y welcome at the reception desk and the manager at the time helped me decide easily to move here.

I am very happy with my choice and the leafy outlook form my unit.

Helen Kiley - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - Nov, 2011

John and I came to Leisure Lea five and a half years ago after living on the Central Coast for 15 years. Our early days were spent in Marsfield at 10b Agincourt Rd, or just “down the road”.

I remember when Leisure Lea was built and my friend’s mother (Chris Mercer) and her father were the second residents to move here.

The village then was only Acacia block, the dining and reception area. Most of the grounds were lawn, gardens and I think there was a duck pond near where the Waratah now stands!

We made a very good choice and the fact that we came to somewhere we knew and felt very comfortable, with our many friends from our early years and family settled in nearby suburbs.

This village has lots of advantages. Close to shops, transport and facilities but most of all residents and staff!

Pat and John Fahey - residents of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - Nov, 2011

Six years ago I realised my home was too large for me and I started to look at retirement villages as my preferred option to home units.  After viewing several I came to Leisure Lea Gardens and immediately felt it was a very friendly village.  As I walked around the buildings and gardens with the manager I was impressed by the friendly greetings he receiving from the residents we met and he knew each person by name.

An Important feature of this village is the care support and services available when you need assistance and the use of the dining room if you are unable to cook due to illness or surgery. The other factor that decided me to come to Leisure Lea Gardens was the bus services right outside our villages as I knew I may not always be a driver! I have never regretted for one day my decision to come here and can happily say this is my choice for living a good life.

Jan Foulcher - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - Nov, 2011

Having lived in the Epping-Eastwood area over 50 years, we felt it was time to down size and think seriously about a retirement village. We have visited friends in about 6 different villages but upon viewing Leisure Lea Gardens we knew that was the home for us.

We hoped to find a place close to where we had lived previously and Leisure Lea is only about half a kilometre from there. Even though we are both still driving there will come a time when this won't be so and the public transport at our front door is fantastic.

There are many activities at Leisure Lea in which we may participate and the dining room serves a great meal if we so desire.

Val Maher - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - Dec, 2011

The time had come when my wife Valda and I decided to have a look around for a suitable retirement village or an apartment. We looked at various establishments but found they did not suit our style. At last we decided to check out Leisure Lea Gardens Living Choice and we were surprised at the various choices available including spacious units, hostel accommodation, first class living facilities, medical service and visiting doctors, hairdresser and dining amenities. The staff provide excellent service, responding promptly to all our enquiries. The residents are very friendly and we find the homely atmosphere here delightful.

The major feature of Leisure Lea Gardens is its location to rail and bus transport, giving everybody inexpensive access to travel anywhere in greater Sydney and Parramatta areas. This includes Macquarie Shopping Centre, Sydney CBD, Epping Rail, Macquarie University and North Shore.

Again I must say anybody can be very happy living here at Leisure Lea!

John Maher - resident of Living Choice Leisure Lea, Eastwood - Dec, 2011

We would strongly recommend moving in. From the day we put a deposit on our villa about a year ago, even before we had a buyer for our house, we felt we had support and friendship from all the staff at the village.

Our concern had been "how would we like retirement village life". We soon realised that Alloura Waters afforded us all that we needed and more to feel part of a caring community. A nurse and medical help are only a push of a button away and garden maintenance and other maintenance is always available. We feel that it wouldn't be quite as good at other villages. We wouldn't have live-in management; an amazing number of residents with great abilities who give their time freely to liaise with management on our behalf; a beautiful swimming pool; numerous activity groups; and ideal situation for flat, easy (or long if you want it) walks to the water and the beautiful scenery etc. And not many have a club adjacent to a village (with gates for a short cut to the entrance) where good meals are readily available.

It takes time to remember residents' names but we haven't come across one that wouldn't wave or greet us. This attitude seems to extend to Davistown itself - as we stroll down to the water's edge we are greeted kindly by young and old. We are very pleased we made the decision to move into to Alloura Waters.

Allan & Elizabeth Finniecome

As financial director of a major international company we've lived all around the world, yet Alloura Waters Retirement Village is the most beautiful place we've ever lived. We're very happy here - living on the waterfront, and close to beaches and excellent shopping, and I enjoy not having to do all the maintenance. We still travel and the security aspect of the village is great; I like to know my home will be safe when we are away.

Reg and Mary Wilkinson - residents of Alloura Waters, Davistown

We moved from a large two storey home, where the upkeep and stairs were difficult. At Living Choice Alloura Waters we enjoy the easy access, with the undercover garage and lift to our apartment. We have everything we need here. It's not like a retirement village at all, but more like a resort. The amenities are first class, and we enjoy the many activities they have at the beautiful new community centre, along with the pool and spa. We love it here - living on the waterfront is our retirement dream.

Jim and Joan Bennett - residents of Living Choice Alloura Waters, Davistown

We love living at Twin Waters Retirement Village, because it is in a good position for beaches, river, walking tracks, shops and the airport. It provides better equipped and larger villas for comfort, and the very best care and service from all of the Living Choice Staff.

We look forward to many happy years living at Twin Waters Retirement Village.

Barbara and Derek Potter, residents, Living Choice Twin Waters

Not too long ago I said I would never move into a retirement village. Then I visited friends at a Living Choice village and I was bowled over by their spacious home - it was streets above anything we've seen. Before you could say Jack Robinson, we put a deposit on a villa and moved in when it was built. It was the best move we've ever made.

When our friends visit they comment on how large our home is, the quality of the fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms & in fact they love the lot. We're not tied down with the workload of our old house and garden, and if we want to go on a holiday, we have the freedom to do so anytime we like. The staff here look after everything - they're fantastic.

We have everything we need here - new friends, waterfront lake, the beach is just down the road, the shops are next to the village and there's even a great supermarket nearby. The Sunshine Coast is a great place to live, in fact so good we moved over 1000 kilometres just to live here. It really is true; this place is like a resort. We tell all our friends they should move in - they'd better hurry though because it's so good they might miss out.

Bill Scovell, resident, Living Choice Twin Waters

22/7/2010

A very belated thank-you to all personnel at Living Choice Broadwater Court for the exceptional help and assistance which was given so freely when we moved into the complex. From the comfort of the luxurious guest suite before settling into our beautiful villa, to the visits of various personnel to ensure that all was as it should be, and to the 3-course meal and baskets of fruit and flowers which followed ... what a welcome! All this friendliness made it so much easier to leave friends behind on the Sunshine Coast; and also easier to adapt to the climatic shock of the winter temperatures!

Now that we have almost settled we are getting to find our way around and to meet our friendly fellow residents. There is so much about the village which we love and we feel sure that every day will make it feel more like home.

Beth and Roger Miller - resident of Broadwater Court Waterfront Estate.

It has been almost 10 months since Jan and I moved into our new villa at the Frost Annexe - and I thought it would be nice to let you have a little feedback about the complex. With only 16 villas in our community, all of which are now occupied, we have become a family of friends and have regular organised social activities in our community room.

Being only a short drive to a number of surf beaches such as Killcare, McMasters, Avoca, Nth Avoca and Wamberal, I enjoy many early morning fishing trips. We also enjoy the 15 minute drive to Erina Fair shopping centre, but then it's only a 300 metre flat walk to our local Bi-Lo Supermarket at Kincumber anyway. By the way, I think that the electronic security gate at the entrance to our complex is probably the best idea for retirement villages since the age pension.

Jim Edwards - resident of Living Choice Broadwater Court Frost Estate, Kincumber

The Frost Estate, in which we live, seemed right from the start to be our ideal retirement option. And so it has turned out to be. First of all it is small. Just sixteen single-storey houses which promote neighbourliness and was not too much of a leap from our old home as it might have been if we'd gone into a village of several hundred villas and flats. And it is all on the level with a short flat walk to a good shopping centre. And if we take a small detour, the bellbirds on Kincumba Mountain are a sheer delight.

Secondly, we are shielded from the road outside by a large wireless controlled gate. This, together with security patrols and the deadlocked security doors to our house front and back, ensures protection for us and our home, even when we re away, which is a great comfort.

Thirdly, and most importantly, this is a "Living Choice" development. We live in our own modern house fitted with the latest appliances including an automatic garage door, and yet if, as we get older, we need help then it is there. We've seen this in action with some neighbours not so lucky in health as ourselves, who needed help with cleaning, cooking, getting to shops, doctors, hospitals etc, and all being provided promptly and at low or zero cost. We all have "Viatel" buttons in case of any health emergency and nursing staff visit us from time to time. With "Living Choice" we can expect to live out our days in our own home without worrying.

Jack and Lorna Russell - resident of Broadwater Court Frost Estate, Kincumber

After months of deliberation including visting seven retirement villages - four on the Central Coast and three in the northern beaches - the courtesy, advice and, in particular, the patience of the Broadwater Court staff made our final decision easy.

Having now experienced village living our decision has been more than vindicated.

The excellent care, support and maintenance teams take care of daily matters giving complete freedom to enjoy this new lifestyle.

Features which greatly enhance our living standard are: professional health care; close proximity to the shopping village including 24 hour Bi-Lo; every professional service within one block; ease of returning to Sydney on regular basis, conversely, similarly for our daughter to spend time with us; level walking throughout the village; villa design and inclusions.

Added to this is the multiple choice daily activities including: three weekly shopping trips, monthly city bus trip; regular half day and full day outings; indoor bowls, arts and crafts; mens and ladies aquarobics classes (what a difference an indoor heated pool makes!); card games; tai chi and snooker. Then trivia nights, catered dinners, theatre trips, happy hours and theme nights. It is difficult to be lonely.

We really enjoy the whole Broadwater Court atmosphere and the many new friends we have made.

Peter James - resident of Broadwater Court, Kincumber

Living Choice Broadwater Court is a magnet for nice people. Yes, it's the folk who live here that make the difference. We've got the nicest neighbours we've ever had. We see them hopping into our bus for the trips they love - to the big stores at Erina, the occasional run into Sydney and day trips to exciting out of the way places. Of course shopping is a breeze. Right next door is the Kincumber Village Centre - supermarket, fisho, top butcher, chemist, one of the state's best fruit markets, newsagents, liquor store, hardware - anything else you need? Doctors, dentists, opticians and physios? Yes, they're in walking distance.

Village life can be busy. Seems there's something on everyday. Cards, bingo, tai chi, snooker, indoor bowls, craft work, music entertainments, aquarobics in the heated swimming pool. Three nights a week we can all come together at the Happy Hours.

A few drinks, a nibble and plenty of chat is the usual routine.

Many of us have strong links outside Living Choice Broadwater Court. There'd be at least a dozen men who bowl at the nearby Avoca Beach Club, some have connections at the local churches, one or two dedicated fisherfolk get a feed pretty easily in the Broadwater that's only a few yards away, Rotary and Probus Clubs are well supported by our residents. Behind us is Kincumba Mountain. It's beautiful up there with expansive views all around. One or two residents actually walk up, most of us drive along the well made track.

We, the residents, run Living Choice Broadwater Court through our forum and its committees. Takes a bit of our time, but it's good to stay involved with things that matter. Ours is a well maintained, modern villa. We're very happy in it - and less than an hour away from our kids who are frequent visitors.

Bruce Webster - resident of Broadwater Court, Kincumber

I moved into this comfortable, well planned new villa in December 2001. I chose the unique Frost Estate in preference to other retirement villages in the area because of its size. This has proved to be a great asset as we all know one another and thoroughly enjoy our activities and meetings in our own community room. Also we are encouraged to use all the facilities in the main complex, such as the swimming pool, spa and exercise room, snooker tables etc.

The ongoing care and interest shown by the management and staff and the feeling of safety engendered by the security gates and night patrol have made this a very happy home.

Nan Watts - resident of Broadwater Court Frost Estate, Kincumber

I have been at Living Choice since June 2004, and can truly say it's been a good move. The staff are very helpful and caring, and I love my unit.

There are outings and get-togethers and lots of events are held in the leisure centre. It is a pretty island, nice walks near the water and it is close to the shops. Plus, there's ongoing care if it's needed - what more can you want?

Valerie Hadley, resident, Living Choice Kawana Island

We are in our 60's and making the decision to come into a Retirement Village was the biggest decision that anyone has to make.

On looking around Sydney for quite some time and not being able to find exactly what we wanted to be able to retire in comfort, we were so thrilled when we found Living Choice Glenhaven.

It was beyond our expectations and the spacious living area of the villa and the position is just wonderful. We never thought that we would be living our lives out in such luxury.

We feel like we live in the country and after living in the one home from the day we were married we do not regret our decision in any way.

My husband is not well and being able to find peace of mind knowing that we have access to 24-hour emergency response is wonderful. We feel that it has given us a new lease of life. We have had to use our emergency button and it has made us feel even safer knowing that you can get assistance within minutes and an ambulance just as quick.

The residents within the village are wonderful and we all have a great time. You can be as busy as you like or have your own privacy. We have tai chi, happy hour, craft afternoons, tennis, bowls, aquarobics, movies and social evenings. A monthly newsletter is published to let everyone know what is going on.

Come join us at Glenhaven - the "Glenhaven Livewires" will make you welcome.