Esme’s dream come true

Esme moved into Bucklands Residential Care in February 2024.

She had a love of sitting outside in the fresh air, watching the goings on around her home and sharing a conversation with whoever was visiting.

When she saw the balcony on the second storey of her new home she also saw something else - an opportunity.

Esme attended her first residents’ meeting to share the opportunity she had seen and asked if the balcony could be opened up for residents to use.

“I thought it would be a lovely place for family and friends to meet and chat and watch the sun setting over the trees and Marion Road,” she said.

Staff saw Esme’s vision and juggled the budget to make it happen - the balcony railings needed to be at least one metre high with gaps of less than 125mm to make the balcony compliant with safety standards.

With Maintenance Manager Glenn Sellen and his team steering the project, the balcony was brought up to standard with a short construction time of five days.

An opening ceremony was held to officially mark the moment Esme’s vision came true and she was given the honour of cutting the ribbon for the ceremony - as well as the cake!

Each day since, Esme has enjoyed a glass of champagne on the balcony, taking in the ambience.

Residential Services Manager Julie Anderson said many residents access the space daily and absolutely love it.

“It’s important because it gives our residents additional outdoor space to sit, socialise with each other or families or just be at peace and enjoy watching scenery,” she said.

“We are now working on making the area even better, and have painted the walls and installed a tap. 

“Residents have brought plants from home to maintain out there and we will hopefully buy new tables and chairs sometime this coming year.” 

The balcony project is a wonderful example of what residents and staff can achieve through collaboration within their communities.