Meet Florence – support for older residents

Florence Alport arrived in the UK at the age of 74 with just two suitcases to her name. After living in Zimbabwe since childhood and losing her husband 10 years earlier, it wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one she is glad she made.

“I arrived at Tidebroke Court two days after landing in the UK. The first person I saw was Diane and it has been incredible ever since. The managers here are amazing: when I need assistance I can contact them, it’s just what you need when you are on your own.

“It’s a totally different lifestyle than where I’ve come from and they’ve given me so much help and advice. They’ve always been there for me and I’m very grateful.

“We have entertainers once a month and, if we get enough people, we get a coach and visit different places across the UK.

“But I’m also a very independent person, so I still travel alone. And when I first arrived, I saved up to buy a laptop and learnt how to use it at the local community centre. This means I can keep in touch with all my lifelong friends and family in Zimbabwe and Australia.

“As I was moving here on my own, I had to be somewhere with people around me. It was a new adventure for me and I needed to learn the ropes. I also have low-grade cancer, so I needed to be somewhere I could be monitored. Someone on site 24/7, along with the alarm system, is great.

“I hate to think what my life would be like if I wasn’t at Tidebroke Court. I absolutely love it here and would recommend it to anyone who is considering accommodation. It’s a wonderful place and I have no regrets, none at all.”