Pam Richardson
Accessible Living and Peace of Mind for Pam Richardson at Orcombe Court
When 58-year-old Pam Richardson reflects on the months before discovering Orcombe Court, she remembers feeling stuck. Living with a neurological condition, the large bungalow she rented in Exeter had become a significant challenge.
“I loved the bungalow,” she says, “but it was too big, too much work, and not designed for what I needed anymore.”
Pam, 58, needed a home that was more accessible, manageable, and provided some additional support. It had to allow her to move freely with her wheelchair, have space for her devoted Cocker Spaniel assistance dog, Bertie, and provide the security of knowing help was nearby.
Her search was difficult, leading her to properties that were too small, too cramped, or lacked on-site support. However, everything shifted when she found an apartment at Orcombe Court, a retirement community in Exmouth, through retirement rental specialists, My Future Living.
A viewing that changed everything
Pam visited the development first with her parents and knew instantly it was ideal. “My gran and grandad lived near this end of Exmouth. I knew the area. It already had memories attached.”
The spacious one-bedroom flat on the first floor sealed the deal. “It’s one of the biggest one-bedrooms here,” she explains. “It’s right next to the stairs, close to the lift, with loads of space for me and Bertie and a covered enclosure for my wheelchair.”
Crucially, Bertie was welcomed and says, “Some people worry about dogs, but here everyone loves him. He’s well-behaved as he is an assistance dog, and there are even three people here who love to walk him if I can’t.”
The move, managed through My Future Living, was “unbelievably easy.” Pam praises their flexibility, noting, “They understood that I couldn’t move everything in one go because of my health and mobility.”
On her second day, she was invited to an Easter morning tea and greeted by a room full of smiles. “Everyone was so friendly. Right from the first cup of tea, people were chatting to me like I had lived here for years.” She describes the community as “a warm, respectful group of people. And I have made truly lovely friends.”
Community Life
Pam loves how Orcombe Court is physically arranged. Divided into blocks, her floor’s lift serves only six flats, meaning residents all know each other and are friendly.
“It feels cosy,” she says. “We all know each other, but everyone has their own space. It is a little village inside a bigger one.”
For someone living alone, this sense of community is invaluable, but the true peace of mind comes from the safety net.
“We have a wall alarm in each apartment that means if anything happens, I can press it. And if I don’t press my daily ‘I’m OK’ button, Faye, the onsite development manager, will knock on my door to check in on me. That means everything to me. I never have to worry that I will be left alone if something happens.”
Maintenance made easy
Pam’s daily life has “changed completely.” Before, she juggled rent, repairs, and unexpected bills. Now, life is “simple and manageable.” Water is included in the rent, there are no surprise repair costs, and she appreciates the free to use Miele laundry machines on-site.
The building’s accessibility is also perfect, and the quick transport links make getting around effortless.
She also has an active social life. She has joined a lovely church nearby, but she also goes to the monthly fish-and-chip supper and quiz nights and says there is a weekly craft group, and a Monday exercise class. She has even learned to play Bridge, which she laughs is “the hardest card game ever, but absolutely loves it.”
“If you don’t want to join in, that is fine. No one pushes you. You can be as sociable or as private as you want. There is always someone around if you need them, but you never feel pressured.”
Financial Peace and Future Security
Becoming unemployed due to her health made managing a home difficult. Renting at Orcombe Court took the financial pressure away. “Everything’s straightforward. I can budget, I can plan, and there is no panic if something breaks, as I can easily arrange for the maintenance team to come.”
She encourages anyone thinking about retirement renting to consider it with an open mind. For Pam, it has enabled her to create a life that works beautifully and meets all her needs. She has the independence she values, the support she needs, and the space to enjoy each day with Bertie by her side.
“Moving here was the best thing I could have done,” she says. “It’s not just an apartment, I feel part of a community and at home.”
