“Dad, you’ve done the best thing”: moving through grief to find new beginnings

After Malcolm’s wife sadly passed away following years of dedicated care during her long battle with Parkinson’s, Malcolm was met with the quiet that often follows a great loss. “There was an emptiness” explains Malcolm, although the end was inevitable, he continues “it’s always a shock when you do lose your partner, and I knew, I had to make a change”. The heartbreak was inevitable, but it brought with it a crossroads: what should the next chapter look like?

Making the decision to sell a beloved family home, a place filled with decades of shared memories, is never easy. Yet, rather than letting the silence settle in, Malcolm took a characteristically proactive approach. He sat down with his family, explored his options, and reached a refreshing conclusion: he knew he wasn’t at the stage of needing a care home. He needed a community where he could remain independent, active, and inspired.

When he first stepped into Lichfield Bonds, the difference was immediate. “They looked much better than anything else on the market,” Malcolm notes. It wasn't just about the bricks and mortar; it was about finding a space that felt like a beginning rather than an ending.

A family affair

Malcolm is clearly the heart of his family. His children and grandchildren “think the world of him,” which meant his move was a collective emotional journey. Naturally, his children felt a flicker of apprehension - was he rushing? Was later living right for him?

Those worries melted away the moment they crossed the threshold of Lichfield Bonds. “The viewings changed their minds completely,” Malcolm smiles. For his son, who lives in America, the peace of mind is invaluable. Knowing his father is safe, social, and living a fulfilling life across the Atlantic is the greatest gift.

“My son visited me and said, ‘Dad, you’ve done the best thing,’” Malcolm shares, his voice softening with emotion. “I’m happy, so my family is happy. That’s the most important thing.”

Embracing the change

When asked if he has any regrets about moving, Malcolm’s answer is simple, “I have no regrets whatsoever.” For Malcolm, the Pegasus lifestyle offers the perfect ‘Goldilocks’ balance: total independence in his own apartment, with a joyful social world right on his doorstep. “With that regard,” he says, “Pegasus have got later living right.”

Malcolm serves as a reminder that while we cannot avoid the sorrows of life, we can choose how we move forward. By embracing change while he is active and able, he has built a bridge from a difficult past to a secure and happy future.

As he looks around his new home, there is a sense of peace. “I know she is up there,” he says, “saying I’ve done the right thing.”

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There is no better time to make your move to a Pegasus Homes community. We are offering the choice of three incredible incentives to help make your decision a little easier. Choose from:

• A 5% discount off the purchase price of the property, or

• Stamp duty (tier 1) paid for, or

• 50% of the service charge for five years

Not sure what incentive will be right for you? Our Customer Advisor teams will be able to discuss your requirements with you and help show which incentive could save you the most money, based on which apartment you choose. You must reserve your apartment by 31st March 2026 and must complete your purchase by 30th June 2026. 

Terms apply. For full details, visit pegasushomes.co.uk/company/legal/terms-and-conditions