Despite the saying “Mum knows best”, if Arvida Park Lane resident Pat Wadley needs a hand, she can call on her daughter Sharon Rayner, who works in the same village as a wellness partner.
And if Rayner needs advice, she often turns to her daughter, Aleshia Wansbrough, Pat’s granddaughter, who is Arvida’s general manager of wellness and care and a former Park Lane village manager.
The closeness doesn’t end there. Rayner lives just across the road from Wansbrough, meaning the three generations are never far apart.
Pat moved into the village in Addington with her husband Bruce seven months ago, joining a community that was already familiar.
Rayner has worked at Arvida Park Lane for 11 years, while Wansbrough spent six years as village manager and, despite her new role, remains a regular visitor.
Their bond goes beyond proximity. Wansbrough describes her grandmother as one of her greatest role models.
“Nan is incredibly warm, smart, funny, and so deeply caring,” she said.
“She has this way of making people feel better just by talking to them – you leave her presence lighter than when you arrived.”
Rayner, who has worked in aged care since she was 15, said it is a privilege to support her parents.
“My approach has always been about treating people the way you’d want your own family treated – with kindness, patience, and genuine care,” she said.
“That’s something mum taught me without ever needing to say it.”
Before becoming a resident, Pat was already a familiar face around the village.
As a former pub owner in Twizel, she often used her hospitality skills to help Wansbrough welcome visitors during apartment open days.
“She’s always belonged here in some way,” Wansbrough said.
When it came time to choose a village, family ties were not the deciding factor.
“We really did our homework,” Wansbrough said.
“In the end, it came down to where we knew Nan and Pop would feel supported, comfortable, and truly at home.”
Now living in a care suite, Pat keeps busy with exercise classes – which she has affectionately renamed “shake your bum bum” – helping set up the dining room and spending time in the garden, often trying (unsuccessfully) to convince her daughter and granddaughter to join her.
She is quick to point out there is no special treatment because of her family connections.
The trio celebrated Mother’s Day together with facials and brunch.
“The three of us have always been close, and we have a lovely time together,” Pat said.
“There is something very comforting having your family close by.”
