Creating the perfect home for Mum and Dad
Aura Holdings’ Director Tim Russell says his goal has always been to create retirement villages where his own parents could live happily.
Tim’s parents Jim and Pat Russell, who are now settling into their apartment at the all-new The Atrium Lutwyche on Brisbane’s northside, believe their son has achieved his goal.
“I think Tim really means it too when he says that,’’ says proud mum Pat.
Pat and Jim returned to Brisbane after “retiring’’ to a Gold Coast apartment 20 years ago. Their move into The Atrium on April 3 unfortunately coincided with the height of the Covid-19 crisis.
The couple, who are born and bred Brisbanites, admit moving during a global pandemic was challenging. “And we’ve gone to the darkside now,’’ jokes Jim of the couple’s move to the northside after being committed southsiders while growing up and raising their family of six.
Three of their adult children live overseas while the other three are in Brisbane. Pat and Jim are relishing the chance to spend more time with family.
Tim is also pleased his parents have returned to Brisbane. “Mum and Dad’s health isn’t what it was 20 years ago which means they are not prepared to drive up and down the highway to Brisbane as regularly as they once did,’’ he says.
Pat admits: “Going up and down the M1 is no fun anymore.’’
Tim says he and his siblings probably thought their parents’ move to the Coast was their last but things change. “A number of their friends in the apartment building on the Coast had started leaving and were replaced by a collection of younger occupants, renters and holidaymakers. It began feeling a lot less like a community with less support and reduced security,’’ he says. “The building on the Coast was ageing and required repairs and expenditure which was hard on them financially. They won’t ever have that problem at Lutwyche!
“Our Lutwyche village is filled with all owner/occupiers of a similar age who are well supported by the Village Manager and other Aura staff. A strong sense of community and social network has already blossomed. It is comforting to know that Mum and Dad have new friends, new interests and feel safe and supported.’’
Pat loves the fact that her new apartment on the seventh floor is so modern. “We really like the outside space on the lovely, big balcony that looks north,’’ she says, while Jim reveals their outside space is the perfect spot for an afternoon beverage.
“It was a wrench to leave the Coast but we are very comfortable in our new home,’’ Pat says. “It is a real bonus being closer to the family and grandchildren again.
“Everything is easily accessible in the village and things are looked after for us so we feel secure and we love having Clint (the Village Manager) who is so helpful and genuine.
“Now that Covid restrictions are easing we can start getting out more and we plan to use the nearby bus station and the train,’’ says Pat, who is looking forward to shopping trips to the city.
“The move to Lutwyche has made it much simpler for Mum and Dad to see their children and grandchildren, attend school events and sporting activities,’’ Tim says. “The move has also allowed them to reconnect with old friends in Brisbane who they haven’t managed to see much of in the past five years or so.’’
To find out more about the safe, friendly community at The Atrium Lutwyche for yourself or your parents, phone (07) 3357 9092 or email live@theatriumlutwyche.com.au