“I am happy at Highlands House, but I do sometimes miss being self reliant, as I have always been an independent soul. When my partner passed away, I was faced with the age old questions of, what now and where to? Not wanting to be a burden to my family, the idea of Highlands House became a reality. But now in my old age, I can be very thankful for Highlands House, as it is the ultimate environment for people in my circumstance, who need a host of things to keep us going, from full time care, both medically and physically, security, emotional support, friends to talk to and regular times from meals to activities. You know, loneliness is the biggest enemy of old age, but here I am enjoying a rewarding quality of life I am truly grateful for, everyday.”

“Old age creeps up on you without too much warning, but if you plan ahead, like most things in life, you're bound to make some good decisions, like ensuring that your retirement years, as I like to call them, are taken care of. To grow old with the right kind of care you need, your dignity intact, and surrounded by friends and people who genuinely care for your well being, is very important to me. I find that Highlands House offers all that and more, and I have also made some really good friends, so I am never lonely, and find myself quite busy in fact. The activities keep me feeling young, especially the Tai Chi classes. I keep reminding myself that I was also young once and I am now on the last part of that incredible journey called life, and I am OK with it. You know, Eleanor Roosevelt once said that 'beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art'. Highlands House is full of beautiful old people. I really feel very lucky to call them my family now.”

"My decision to come here was purely my own. After my husband passed away I decided it was maybe time to move on as living on my own was beginning to get a bit much. I didn’t want to inflict myself on my daughters (who were reluctant for me to leave), but I had heard that Highlands House was a wonderful place and decided to come here. I was pleasantly surprised when I got here. I had visited a relative 10 years earlier and I cannot tell you the remarkable changes I have seen since then. It has gone from a decrepit institution that reeked of urine (chuckles), to a wonderful and comfortable home. Best of all it’s its right under Table Mountain and close to my family."