Community, security and independence

Press, 9 November 1984, Page 9

Community, security and independence

Maryville Courts, a new retirement village complex at 373 Manchester Street, is open to the public during Show Weekend, and, by appointment, during the following fortnight.

Those interested are welcome to wander around it between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on any day of the weekend, and to look inside unoccupied units. There are 27 units built or under construction, so far, and 40 more still to be added.

The three acres of land was owned by the Roman Catholic Church, but the

houses on it were becoming an increasing liability. Maintenance was a burden, many of the rents were ludicrously low, and there were many bad debts involved, all of which resulted in a drain on the parish finances. About three and a half years ago, it was decided that a retirement village would offer the best use of the area, so a charitable trust was set up to create and administer this. The trust had to borrow just on $1 million in bridging finance to get the scheme started. ,

In effect, by purchasing the units, residents lend money to the trust board, interest free, and receive life occupancy in return. The only deduction made from the purchase price is an annual five per cent reduction in each of the first five years. The balance is paid back in full within 30 days if the resident leaves the village or, at death, to the resident’s estate. To meet the purchase price, a government loan of up to $lO,OOO is available through the Housing Corporation to those who need

it. For many people, residence in Maryville offers not only security in their old age, but also relief from the responsibility and expense of maintaining a family home. The village offers a pleasant, peaceful environment, with companionship, but with independence as well. General outdoor maintenance is provided, including the upkeep of community gardens, walkways, outside lighting and waste removal. Meals and medical services can be arranged along with any specialist services

requested on a user-pays basis, coordinated by the trust management. The cost of personal services, such as telephone, power, transport and the care of a private garden, are payable by the resident. A weekly charge of $3O is made to cover insurance, proportional rates, management services, exterior lighting, security and other general services provided by the trust. This charge is an estimate to be reviewed when costs have been established. So far, a further eight beds have been added to

Mary Potter Hospital — part of Calvary Hospital (now Southern Cross) in Bealey Avenue. The extension of the geriatric hospital has been planned as a back-up to the medical services available to Maryville residents, and the close proximity of this hospital will allow fellow residents to visit easily. A village cfentre has been planned to provide work amenities; therapy and hobbies rooms; a meeting room; a large lounge area, kitchen and dining room; a games room; spa pool; and doctor’s consulting room. The entire project is being designed and built by J. J. Construction Company, Ltd.