Downsizing provides Lesley and Glenn with an accessible home and new community

Published: 

4 January 2022 1:33PM

Lesley and Glenn’s decision to downsize has helped them find accessible housing and a new community.

“We rented a property in Bargara for 13 years because the owner was great, but we had to move because they were selling the property,” Lesley said.

“Renting costs are phenomenal so we needed to find a place that would let us survive, and we needed somewhere accessible because I have MS.”

They contacted their local Housing Service Centre, who helped Lesley and Glenn find a two-bedroom home in a newly-built social housing complex, run by community housing provider, Regional Housing Limited.

“We enjoy living here; it’s spacious, easy to walk around our home and there’s easy access in and out because there’s no steps from the street to our home,” said Lesley.

“We had a lot of stuff to pack but we donated things to local op shops because we knew we couldn’t take everything we’d had in our 3-bedroom home.

“We’re close to amenities so sometimes my carer takes me into town, and we go for a coffee or go to the shopping centre.

“We’ve met some of the neighbours in the complex and they seem like nice, happy people.

“We are friendly and say hello to our neighbours when we see them, but we also respect people’s privacy, I think that’s what makes a good neighbour.”

It hasn’t taken Lesley and Glenn long to feel at home in their new space.

“We’ve put up blinds and paintings and it now feels like our home,” Lesly said.

“In the mornings we like to sit outside and have a cup of coffee, it’s a nice spot.”

For anyone looking to downsize, Lesley and Glenn offer good advice.

“It’s good to go through all your stuff to see what you have and then look at everything as need and want and that will help you to sort out your packing,” Lesley said.

“Moving to this complex has definitely been positive. Everything we’ve got now is more than enough, and I hope everyone else who has moved here, feels the same.”