One of the first things visitors notice about Arvida’s Ilam Living Well Community in Christchurch is a feeling of calm and contentedness, it is often said we are a community with a heart. In this long-established haven, which is framed by beautiful gardens, residents are encouraged to be themselves, express their thoughts and make their own choices. It all contributes to a happy community where everyone has what they need to feel at home.

At Ilam, residents are grouped into households, it’s a concept that ensures you see the same staff members every day, so you get to know them really well. It also supports closer friendships with other residents. You’ll make friends beyond your household as well as the daily activities programme can involve the whole community together. In addition to crafts, games, movies, bowls, fitness programmes and singalongs around the piano, there are regular excursions in the van.

Ilam’s central location makes it easy to enjoy some of Christchurch’s most scenic places, like the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, and Riccarton House and Bush. For shopping trips and café catch ups, the Bush Inn Centre indoor mall is just around the corner.

Here’s a quick summary of how you can live at Ilam:

• Serviced apartment: With a separate bedroom, kitchenette and open plan living with a garden view, a serviced apartment at Ilam preserves your independence by providing tailored assistance. The weekly fee includes all electricity and heating, weekly housekeeping, fresh linen each week, morning and afternoon teas and a cooked meal daily. Other care packages and support services are available on request.

• Serviced Studio: Generous sized room with small kitchenette and views onto lovely gardens. All with ensuites. The weekly fee includes all electricity and heating, weekly housekeeping, fresh linen weekly, morning and afternoon teas and a cooked meal daily. We have a variety of care packages which we can tailor to suit your specific needs and requirements.

• Care room: Ilam has spacious care rooms for those needing rest home or hospital-level care. You’ll enjoy a sitting area with a garden view, an ensuite bathroom and a built-in wardrobe. Your room will be refreshed before you move in, so it will feel fresh and new. Furniture is supplied, so just bring your own art, photographs and ornaments.

• Memory care rooms: Ilam has a lovely personalised care area for those residents who require the support and security required if they are living with dementia. Read less