For months, Jean Arnold searched for the best location for an elderly resident’s home.
It couldn’t just be anywhere. So when Melton council offered land near the Melton train station for Abbeyfield House, Ms Arnold was ecstatic.
There was nothing like Abbeyfield House in Melton in the 90s – a place where elderly people could live independently in a supported house.
Ms Arnold, now 87, recently announced her retirement from the Abbeyfield House board.
Residents and board members thanked her for her long commitment by naming the communal lounge area ‘the Jean Arnold room’.
One man said: “This is a fantastic location. Residents have had their lives extended by coming here.”
Ms Arnold said while her quest had had its “ups and downs”, she’d enjoyed every minute of it’.
“I’ve been privileged, I’ve loved it but because of my health I can’t do it anymore,” she said.
When asked about the biggest changes in Melton, she said: “When we first moved here, it was a little country town. Now, it’s a big city.”
Abbeyfield House is at Brooklyn Road, Melton South.
