Former Rosehaven Retirement Village matron enjoys life as resident
After 20 years of caring for the seniors at Rosehaven Retirement Village, Jenny Gilroy shares her experience of transitioning from staff member to resident.
For Jenny Gilroy, retirement has meant trading the responsibilities of managing Rosehaven Retirement Village for the freedom to enjoy everything the community offers.
At 84, Gilroy has a unique perspective on life at the village in Hurlingham. Having spent 20 years as its matron, she now enjoys retirement among the residents she once cared for, making the most of the activities, friendships, and familiar surroundings.
Read more: How a simple cup of tea is bringing Rosehaven Retirement Village residents closer together
Her connection with Rosehaven dates back to 1993, and despite stepping away from her professional responsibilities, she has never felt the need to leave.
“I must say, in a way, it is nice to be retired because you can have a lie-in in the morning, get up, make tea, then make breakfast, and then just keep yourself busy with all the activities that go on at Rosehaven,” Gilroy said.
The change in roles has also given Gilroy a new appreciation for the village. After years of helping others navigate retirement, she now enjoys the experience herself. According to Gilroy, a fulfilling retirement is about more than having time to rest; it also means staying active and maintaining connections with others.
“I enjoyed every minute while I was working as a matron, even though old people were not always easy,” she said.
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“As residents, we keep ourselves busy through various activities, including pool parties and some shopping trips. We get time to sit together, share our memories and laugh together.”
Having spent much of her working life contributing to the well-being of Rosehaven’s residents, Gilroy now enjoys the community from a different perspective. Her journey is a reminder that retirement does not have to mean leaving a familiar life behind.
For Gilroy, it means enjoying the place she knows so well, with more time for herself, shared laughter and the friendships that have grown over the years.
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