Stephanie’s mother, Patsy, has lived an extraordinary life filled with resilience, determination, and a spirit that refuses to be dampened by any challenge

Here’s her story:

Originally from Kent, Patsy moved to Tavistock in 1975 with four children, including two under the age of three. She has always been a hardworking and resourceful individual, juggling various part-time jobs to support her family while also undertaking the ambitious project of building her own house. This involved everything from mixing concrete and laying blocks to plastering walls and tiling the roof. Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1982, she continued to live life to the fullest, seeing her children grow up and become parents themselves.

In her 60s, after living with MS for over 20 years, she was still surfing in North Cornwall. She would attach her surfboard to her wheeled walker and head to the beach in her wetsuit. However, after a series of health setbacks, including a broken ankle and two strokes, she needed more assistance and moved to Cornwall in 2013. Even then, she was able to manage stairs and live somewhat independently until a second stroke in 2020 required her to have more substantial care and live on the ground floor of her home.

The move to shared ownership

With increasing care needs and the necessity for more specialised equipment, Stephanie started looking for a living arrangement that would better suit her mother’s needs whilst allowing her to maintain her independence. This search led them to Passmore Edwards Court, an extra care facility with Aster.

Stephanie admits that she initially knew very little about shared ownership but quickly realised that Passmore Edwards Court was the perfect environment for her mother. The facility’s wide corridors and wheelchair-friendly design were major factors in their decision.

Life at Passmore Edwards Court

For Patsy, the move has been transformative and having her own space has been crucial. Being able to personalise her living area made a significant difference in her quality of life. Although Stephanie mentioned that they weren’t initially aware of shared ownership, the extra care facilities and in-house services offered by Passmore Edwards Court were the main attractions.

She treasures her new home and the freedom it affords her. “Home is a feeling of comfort, and I feel comfortable at Passmore Edwards Court,” she shares. She loves the fact that she can chat with local people and that everyone is friendly. The community atmosphere is welcoming, and she enjoys the social interactions it provides.

Stephanie’s mother is delighted with the location of her new home. “It’s very close to all the things that I enjoy doing outside of where I am,” she explains. Being near the sea, the lake, and the woods is particularly important to her. She loves being able to visit the nearby beauty spots with lovely trees and the scenic Bodmin Moor. “I like being able to go out to ‘play’” she adds with a smile, highlighting her continued enthusiasm for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

When talking about her home, she adds “I like that it feels posh and has an ensuite bathroom and beautiful views too”

The community and support

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Patsy's new home is the community. People are welcoming yet respectful of personal boundaries. Within a short period, several residents introduced themselves, and the staff have been consistently warm and friendly. This sense of community is invaluable, providing social interaction and support.

Working with Aster

Stephanie speaks highly of the Aster team, especially Anna Dillon in Aster’s Resale team, who was very helpful throughout the buying process along with other members of the Aster team who have incredibly supportive, making the transition as smooth as possible.

Advice and final thoughts

Stephanie’s key piece of advice for anyone considering shared ownership is to make sure you’re comfortable with all the terms and conditions to ensure you’re making an informed decision. She also emphasises the importance of finding a place that truly meets your needs, as the right environment can significantly enhance your quality of life. Whilst shared ownership may not be the right choice for everyone, it has provided Stephanie’s mother with a safe, supportive, and independent living arrangement. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding a home that caters to your individual needs.