RetireAustralia swerves sector norms with “It’s Your Journey”
When’s the last time a retirement living ad made you smile, feel seen or want to get behind the wheel of a red MG?
That’s exactly what RetireAustralia’s bold “It’s Your Journey” campaign achieved, winning the coveted Channel Marketing Group Award for Marketing Excellence at the 2025 National Retirement Living Awards. And in doing so, it’s thrown the sector’s traditional marketing playbook out the window—right onto the open road.
This campaign was all about doing things differently. Instead of the expected soft-focus lifestyle shots and lists of features, RetireAustralia and long-time agency partner New Word Order shifted gears—literally—using a nostalgic driving metaphor to reframe the conversation around independence, care, and choice in retirement.
With a warm, relatable tone, live-action storytelling, and a narrative built around freedom, control and wellbeing, “It’s Your Journey” struck an emotional chord—and drove real commercial results.
The $1.385M multi-channel campaign delivered a 23.3% increase in leads, a 31% reduction in cost per lead, and a 14% uplift in sales appointments all while going against the grain of what retirement sector advertising “should” look like.
At the heart of the campaign was a classic red 1960s MG and the familiar face of Chris Betts, RetireAustralia’s hero talent since 2020. The creative used driving cues to tap into a collective nostalgia for road trips of decades past while symbolising the personal journeys residents embark on when choosing a retirement community. The red sports car wasn’t just a prop; it was a statement: age doesn’t diminish desirability.
“We wanted to challenge expectations of what retirement means, and how we talk about it,” said Andrew Doak, National Manager – Marketing at RetireAustralia. “Our audience doesn’t see themselves slowing down. They see this chapter as a new journey, and we wanted to meet them there.”
The campaign was a deliberate pivot away from “advertising hygiene factors” toward fresh storytelling that placed authenticity and emotion at the centre. Featuring real team members and residents alongside cinematic visuals, it championed not just community living, but what it feels like to be in control of your next chapter.
Backed by extensive research into customer segments and preferences—a strategic focus since 2019—RetireAustralia has spent years aligning its marketing with real audience insights. That embedded understanding powered the creative leap behind ‘It’s Your Journey’: a campaign built for cut-through, not clichés.
And with competition and media costs on the rise, that leap had to land. It did.
This campaign marks a pivotal evolution in RetireAustralia’s brand strategy—from safe and service-focused to bold, resonant, and values-led. By trusting their research, challenging category norms, and leaning into emotion over exposition, the brand has set a new creative benchmark, not just for retirement living, but for how meaningful marketing can be at any life stage.
Because when you take the wheel—and steer the message away from the expected—you might just find a better road ahead.
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Lee Ann’s 20-year journey of care and community
When Lee Ann Alejo first walked into Glengowrie Retirement Village in Adelaide 20 years ago, she wasn’t just starting a new job, she was stepping into a calling.
Today, as Village Manager of Glengowrie, Lee Ann leads with a rare blend of empathy, integrity, and purpose that has become the heartbeat of her community.
Resident satisfaction is consistently high under Lee Ann’s leadership as is her Net Promoter Score (likeliness to recommend the village to a friend or family member).
What career/jobs did you have before joining RetireAustralia.
“I trained and worked as a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. It was always my passion to have a personal connection with each patient, and that experience shaped how I lead today — with presence, empathy, and a deep understanding of care.
“When I moved to Australia, I had to start over. I worked in a plastic factory during my days off from Glengowrie Retirement Village, Adelaide, where I began as a Personal Care Attendant. Juggling both roles wasn’t easy, but I’ve always thrived when I’m doing work that matters.”
What attracted you to a career in retirement living?
“For me, it goes back to family. I was raised in the Philippines in a multigenerational household with my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mum — three generations of strong women who lived with grace, compassion, and deep care for others.
“Those early years taught me values like respect, integrity, and humility. My grandmother would say, ‘Start with a humble heart, and you will be exalted.’ I carry that wisdom with me every day.
“When I first walked into Glengowrie 20 years ago, it felt familiar — like home. Being in this field gives me the opportunity to honour those values and advocate for older people the way my family taught me to. This career isn’t just something I do — it’s something I was meant to do.”
What were your roles at RA before becoming a VM of Glengowrie Retirement Village and Scarborough Mews Retirement Village in South Australia?
“I started at Glengowrie back in 2004 as a Personal Care Attendant. From there, I took on a range of roles – Kitchen Hand, Cook, Cleaner, Food Safety Program Team Leader – and eventually moved into Administration. I also acted as Relief Village Manager when needed, helped with sales enquiries and events, and was part of the Health and Safety Improvement team.
Every role taught me something valuable and helped me understand our residents’ needs from all angles. In 2018, I stepped into the role of Village Manager at Wisteria Grove and Spring Grove, which marked a turning point in my career.”
Image (L-R): Lee Ann Alejo (Village Manager – Glengowrie Retirement Village), Anthony Heald (General Manager – Culture and Strategy) and Dr Brett Robinson (Chief Executive Officer)
Your current role?
“I’m currently the Village Manager at Glengowrie Retirement Village. In this role, I oversee all aspects of village life – from day-to-day operations and financial performance to ensuring our residents feel safe, heard, and connected.
“What makes this role special is that I’m not just representing RetireAustralia – I’m also advocating for our residents. Every decision I make needs to reflect both the company’s purpose and the lived experience of those who call our village home.
“This role brings together everything I’ve learned – leadership, compassion, integrity, and strategy – and gives me the chance to shape a community where people truly belong. Coming back to Glengowrie after 20 years is such a full circle moment. It’s where it all began, and it’s where I’ve returned with a deeper sense of purpose.”
Any advice for anyone thinking of a career in retirement living?
“Working in retirement living is a true privilege. You’re not just managing a village – you’re creating a home, building relationships, and becoming part of people’s lives in the most meaningful ways.
“For me, this isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling. Whether it began at the bedside as a nurse or continues now as a Village Manager, the heart of the work is the same: creating connection, honouring humanity, and supporting people with empathy and integrity.
“If you bring your values into the role – your compassion, your culture, your care – it will give back to you in ways you can’t even imagine. It can be complex and demanding, yes, but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you can take.”
Feeling inspired by Lee Ann’s journey? Discover how you could make a difference too
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Retirement villages: independent living versus serviced apartments
Retirement is a time to enjoy life at your own pace and focus on what matters most to you. If you’re thinking about moving to a retirement village, one of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing between an independent living unit or a serviced apartment.
Both offer age-friendly living in a supportive community, but they cater to different lifestyles and levels of support. Understanding the difference can help you choose what’s right for your needs today – and gives you peace of mind for tomorrow.
What is independent living in a retirement village?
When people think about moving to a retirement village, they’re often thinking of independent living.
This lifestyle is ideal for older adults who are active, mobile and don’t need daily assistance. You’ll typically live in a villa or apartment within a village setting, where you can enjoy your independence while being part of a welcoming community.
What you can expect:
- Spacious, self-contained homes with your own kitchen, laundry and living areas.
- Freedom and flexibility to manage your day-to-day routine just the way you like it.
- Low-maintenance living, with gardening and home maintenance often taken care of.
- Community amenities, such as a community centre, social events and group activities.
- 24/7 emergency call systems for added peace of mind.
- A strong sense of community, with like-minded neighbours and friendly staff.
Is independent living right for you?
It could be a great fit if you’re looking for a secure, community-focused lifestyle, but don’t require support with meals, cleaning or personal care.
Want to see what it’s really like?
Check out how John and Margy are enjoying life in their independent living unit.
What are serviced apartments in a retirement village?
What is it?
If you’re still independent but would appreciate a little extra help with daily tasks, a serviced apartment could be the perfect fit.
These private, easy-to-manage apartments include services like daily meals, weekly cleaning and linen laundry.
What you can expect:
- Nutritious daily meals, often prepared onsite.
- Weekly housekeeping and linen service, so you can relax and enjoy your time.
- 24/7 emergency call systems for added safety and reassurance.
- Compact, comfortable living spaces that are easy to maintain.
- Central village location, close to amenities and community activities.
- Social connection, with group activities and communal dining.
- Peace of mind, especially for individuals or couples who may be slowing down a little.
Is a serviced apartment right for you?
Serviced apartments are ideal if you’re mostly independent but would benefit from some with things like meals, cleaning and laundry.
In RetireAustralia serviced apartments, you can also access tailored support through our Care team, or one of our partners, delivered right in your apartment. This can be arranged as a fee-for-service or through a government-funded package.
You’ll enjoy access to the same activities and facilities as independent living residents.
Meet Elaine and see what life is like in a serviced apartment.
Making the right choice for you
It’s not about which option is “better” – it’s about what’s right for you.
Start by asking yourself:
- Do I want to cook and clean, or would I prefer that to be taken care of?
- How is my health and mobility now and what might I need in the months ahead?
- Would a little extra help give me (or my family) greater peace of mind?
Many retirement villages offer both independent living and serviced apartments, so you can transition smoothly if your needs change. At RetireAustralia, you’ll have the added benefit of only paying one management if you transfer from an independent living unit to a serviced apartment.
Need help deciding?
The best way to choose is to visiting a village.
Talk to the team, meet residents and explore what daily life looks like. Whether you’re ready to make a move soon or just starting to explore, the right decision is one that is well informed and feels comfortable.
Want to discover a community that's right for you?
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The power of music in retirement
Retirement is a time to embrace freedom, rediscover passions and focus on your wellbeing. One powerful, and often underestimated way to do that? Music. Whether it’s singing along to favourite tunes, learning an instrument or enjoying live performances, music can bring joy, connection and even cognitive and physical health benefits.
Here are 5 ways music can enrich your retirement years.
1. Boosts your mood
Music has a unique ability to lift our spirits. It can reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression – all of which can sometimes affect people as they adjust to retirement or navigate changes in health.
Listening to music that resonates can release dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical in the brain, which can boost mood. Singing, dancing or playing an instrument can provide a creative outlet and bring a sense of accomplishment and joy.
2. Supports brain health
Studies show that music stimulates areas of the brain involved in memory, attention and language. For older people, particularly those wanting to stay sharp or those living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, music can be incredibly beneficial.
Familiar songs from younger years can unlock memories and prompt conversation. Learning an instrument or even attending a music appreciation group can challenge the brain in new ways, improving mental agility and focus.
3. Brings people together
Music is a shared experience. Whether it’s joining a choir, attending a community concert or simply sharing a favourite album with a friend, music offers opportunities to connect with others. Something that’s vital for emotional wellbeing in our later years.
In retirement villages, music groups or sing-alongs are not only fun but can help foster new friendships. For those who may be feeling isolated, music can be a gentle and inclusive way to re-engage socially.
4. Encourages movement
Dancing or moving to music can help improve balance, coordination and flexibility – all important for maintaining independence and mobility in later life. Even gentle movement to music or tapping to a beat can offer therapeutic benefits for circulation, posture and motor skills.
Music therapy has also been shown to help manage pain and improve sleep, contributing to overall physical health and quality of life.
Many of RetireAustralia’s villages offer lots of opportunities to dance or move to music, whether it’s line dancing groups, rock’n’roll dancing or just bopping along to the tunes at happy hour.
5. Brings daily joy and structure
One of the great joys of retirement is having more time to spend on things that bring happiness. Creating a morning playlist, setting aside time to practice piano or looking forward to a weekly music group can bring positive structure to your days and something to look forward to. Most RetireAustralia villages offer a range of musical groups and regular live performances.
Music can also bring comfort, especially in times of change or grief.
Ready to bring more music into your life?
You don’t have to be musically trained to enjoy these benefits. Retirement is the perfect time to explore music in whatever way feels right for you, whether that’s revisiting your vinyl collection, joining a drumming circle or learning guitar for the first time.
Music is about connection, to ourselves, to our memories and to others. It’s a beautiful, accessible way to enrich life in retirement and support your wellbeing in the most joyful way.
Here are just some of the people in RetireAustralia villages who have filled their world with music.
Belinda is singing for her supper
For Belinda, blending her passion for music with her role as Village Manager at Murray Gardens Retirement Village has been a perfect fit. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she’s often seen lighting up the stage in local productions and delights in sharing her love of music with the village community.
Belinda organises a variety of fun musical activities for residents, including karaoke nights, monthly sing-along sessions and musical bingo that never fails to bring a smile. She also coordinates visits from local performers, adding an extra touch of magic to the community events.
Belinda believes music creates a sense of comfort that helps residents connect with one another. She sees firsthand how music can spark joy and even improve cognitive function, aiding memory recall and reducing symptoms of dementia.
But perhaps most heartwarming is how music opens the door for residents to share their stories and experiences. Belinda loves seeing friendships blossom as residents bond over tunes that remind them of special moments in their lives. For her, music is more than entertainment it’s a powerful way to bring the community together, enriching lives one note at a time.
“The residents have got the wealth of experience and the knowledge, and I find that through music I can tap into that because that’s when people feel safe, feel comfortable,” says Belinda. “We come in, we turn the television on every day, but we put on YouTube, and so we have music and video clips playing. The comfort and familiarity of the music helps people open up and discuss things.”
A lifelong love of music for Noel
For Noel, a 97-year-old resident of Bramblewood Retirement Village, music has always been an important part of his life. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 14 and began writing songs by the time he was 19. Music even brought him and his late wife, Lorna, together – she was a performer, and he became her accompanist. Over the years, they collaborated on countless songs, creating beautiful memories. Since Lorna’s passing over a decade ago, Noel has kept their shared passion alive by writing and recording music, releasing two albums along the way.
“I don’t see myself as a performer, but I love singing the songs we created together,” Noel shares. “Sometimes I wake up with a melody in my head and finish a song within half an hour.”
Verging on success
At The Verge Retirement Village, something truly special takes shape each Friday afternoon – a resident choir known as The Verge Voices. Born from the purchase of an electric piano, the group has grown into a joyful community of around 15 residents who gather to sing, connect and share in music. With a strong male presence and an inspiring 91-year-old among their ranks, the choir blends rich harmonies with a spirit of inclusion and fun.
The group’s keyboardist, Jeff, says: “Beyond the music, this choir is about connection. It’s about showing up, sharing laughs and hitting the high notes (if sometimes the wrong ones). For those who attend, it’s more than a choir, it’s a weekly dose of belonging and joy.
“For myself I’m about to start professional singing lessons, which was something I had started some 20 years ago, but was always too busy to continue until now.”
Discover if retirement living could hit the right notes for you.
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John and Margy find utopia at Boambee Gardens
Watch their story:
For John and Margy, life at Boambee Gardens Retirement Village is like “winning the lotto”. With a supportive, caring community, a lifestyle they love and a safety net of care should they ever need it, they’ve found a place that feels pretty close to utopia.
Located near the tranquil village of Sawtell, Boambee Gardens has been the perfect choice for this stage of John and Margy’s life. Busier than ever, John and Margy are involved in a huge range of activities both in and outside of the village. Hear what the couple has to say about their life at Boambee Gardens.
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Quality over quantity: key amenities to look for in a retirement village
When considering a move to a retirement village, it’s easy to be swayed by an abundance of amenities and services. However, in the quest for quantity, the importance of quality can sometimes be overlooked. Instead of being dazzled by a long list of offerings, it’s essential to focus on the amenities that truly enhance your quality of life, promote your health and wellbeing, and cater to your individual needs. Here are the key amenities to prioritise when choosing a retirement village.
Care
A retirement village with onsite healthcare services or easy access to medical facilities ensures that your health needs are met conveniently and promptly. Look for offerings such as home care, and access to allied health professionals. Many of RetireAustralia’s villages offer Home Care, with care services that are flexible and tailored to exactly what you need, when you need it. From cleaning and meal preparation to medication management and showering, Home Care can enable you to live in your home safely. Services can be funded privately or through an approved government-funded Home Care Package (HCP).
Social and recreational activities
Quality of life in retirement is heavily influenced by opportunities for social interaction and recreation. Seek out villages that offer a variety of activities, such as exercise classes, hobby groups, outings, happy hours and other social events. The emphasis should be on quality activities that foster connection and promote a vibrant community.
Outdoor spaces
Access to well-maintained outdoor spaces is essential for physical health, mental wellbeing and overall enjoyment. Look for villages with landscaped gardens, safe walking paths, outdoor seating areas and recreational facilities such as bowling greens, croquet lawns and swimming pools. Quality outdoor spaces provide opportunities for relaxation, exercise and fresh air.
Safety features
Feeling safe and secure in your living environment is paramount, especially in our later years. Look for villages with safety features such as emergency call systems. Every home in a RetireAustralia village is fitted with a 24/7 emergency call system. Additionally, amenities such as well-lit pathways, handrails and walker/ wheelchair accessibility ensure that residents can navigate their surroundings with confidence and peace of mind. The design of the home should support independence/ aging in place and feature things such as a level entrance, switches and power points at suitable heights and spaces that support ease of movement.
Transportation
Maintaining mobility and independence is key to enjoying a fulfilling retirement. Look for villages that offer transport services, whether it’s shuttle buses or access to public transport. Quality transportation options enable residents to stay connected with their community, access services and pursue life outside of the village without relying on a car.
Hobbies and learning
Retirement is a time to pursue lifelong passions and continue learning. Look for villages that offer libraries, craft spaces or workshops. Quality amenities provide opportunities for intellectual stimulation, personal growth and creative expression. They also allow you to connect with like-minded people.
When choosing a retirement village, it’s important to prioritise quality over quantity when it comes to amenities. Focus on key amenities that spark your interest, enhance your quality of life, promote health and wellbeing, and cater to your needs, this way you can find a community that truly feels like home.
Your free guide to retirement village living
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Contemporary seniors’ living plans for riverside site in Graceville
RetireAustralia is planning a high-quality retirement living and integrated care development centred around the refurbished heritage-listed Verney House on their 2.4 hectare riverside site at Bell Terrace in Graceville. The proposal is an opportunity to design and deliver a modern seniors’ housing environment that responds to the changing needs and expectations of an ageing population.
The site was previously the Beth Eden retirement village and aged care facility operated by Bethany Christian Care, and has been vacant for a year. RetireAustralia acquired the site after Bethany Christian Care appointed Knight Franks’ Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins to divest the site via an Expressions of Interest process. The property is the largest privately owned, Brisbane river-front freehold land parcel within this proximity to the Brisbane CBD.
As well as a full refurbishment of the heritage-listed Verney House and old Stables, the proposal includes
three residential buildings of four storeys each. The three new buildings will provide 101 independent living units and a 10-suite Care Hub. The Care Hub will be a boutique homelike care environment offering higher acuity care from a nurse-led team on site 24/7. The dwellings will be complemented with communal spaces offering social and wellness opportunities, including a pool, residents’ pocket park and beautiful landscaping.
The development will be code assessable and in keeping with Council’s expectation for the site.
“There is a shortfall of seniors living supply in this area compared more broadly to South East Queensland. We have worked closely with an expert design team, including Marchese Partners | Life 3A and CUSP, and are excited to propose a place which will support a thriving community of older Australians able to live the life they choose in their own home,” said Dr. Brett Robinson, RetireAustralia’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We will be the only seniors living provider in the catchment offering independent living with the continuum of care services.”
RetireAustralia are engaging with the local community to keep them informed and to provide options for more information or submitting queries.
A new home, close to home
It was a case of first in, best dressed when Tarragindi couple Jeff and Judy Jones moved to their suburb’s new retirement village, The Green Tarragindi Retirement Village. After spending more than half their lives in Tarragindi, Jeff and Judy were excited to realise their retirement dream of remaining in their beloved community when they became the first to move into the vertical village with sweeping city views.
With a short supply of retirement accommodation options in their immediate area, the Jones were quick to jump on the chance to continue to call Tarragindi home, in accommodation that will continue to meet their needs even as their care and support requirements increase with age.
The popularity of retirement living
The opportunity to age well locally is not possible for everyone, with statistics showing that retirement villages are effectively at capacity nationwide, while the supply pipeline of new stock is slowing down.
Nationally, the number of Australians aged 65 and older will double in the next 40 years, while the number of people aged 85 and older is set to triple to more than 3.5 million people by 2062–63, according to the Federal Government’s Intergenerational Report 2023.
Despite the surging senior population, the 2022 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census found retirement villages were effectively at capacity. The census also found the development supply pipeline planned for the subsequent three years fell to 5100 dwellings compared to the 2021 Retirement Census of more than 10,500 dwellings. Higher construction and debt costs, and an uncertain economic outlook may have contributed to this decreased supply.
Location, location, location
The Jones say they are fortunate to have moved to a retirement village so close to where they have been living for nearly four decades.
“We knew eventually we would need to make the move into some sort of retirement village, so when we heard about The Green, we were keen right from the get-go,” Judy says. “Moving into a retirement village is a big enough change without having to move to a new area.
“While we don’t have any health issues or need help at this stage, we thought it would be better to make the move as we couldn’t see another village like it coming to Tarragindi any time soon.”
Having called Tarragindi home since 1983, the Jones didn’t want to entertain leaving the suburb. Judy and Jeff did move briefly to Holland Park many years ago, but within a few years had returned to purchase their third home in Tarragindi. They raised their sons, Craig and Matt, in Tarragindi and have enjoyed having their six grandchildren live nearby. The real estate business the couple founded, which is now run by their sons, is also a short drive away.
Close proximity
Besides knowing the area well, the couple also love the proximity of the village. They have everything they need so close to home.
“We love the accessibility Tarragindi provides – we’ve got four hospitals right on our doorstep and easy access to the motorways and we’re close to the city,” Jeff explains. “We had looked at other sites and places. We couldn’t get away from the fact this was at Tarragindi – that was obviously a big attraction, and we also thought The Green offered us more amenities than any of the other places we looked at. The design of the complex, the landscaping, the facilities – it just all fitted together so well.”
The community features independent living apartments with an age-friendly design, support from a care concierge, access to the rejuvenated Tarragindi Bowls Club, a café and lush landscaped gardens.
No looking back
Since moving into The Green, Jeff and Judy haven’t looked back. They find life more relaxing in their low-maintenance abode and are committed to living there for as long as possible.
“We don’t plan to move. While you never know what is in front of you, with the support we can access at The Green I think we can manage here for the rest of our lives,” says Judi.
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What is dementia?
Most of us have heard of dementia, but what is it?
Dementia is decline in cognitive ability. Put simply, it is a general term for a loss in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
There are many forms and causes of dementia with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Other forms of dementia include: vascular dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Frontotemporal dementia, just to name a few.
The risk of getting dementia increases as we age, but it’s not a normal part of the ageing process rather it’s a symptom of a disease.
What are the signs?
Memory loss
This often shows through repetitive questions, being unable to learn new information or forgetting familiar names.
Difficulty concentrating
An avid reader may stop reading or a loud noise can put a task off track.
Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
This can include becoming confused over the correct change when shopping or being able to complete all the steps of an old recipe.
Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
They may substitute inappropriate words or not understand what someone is saying.
Being confused about time and place
They may get lost while walking to a familiar place or think they are back in a different time in their lives.
Mood and personality changes
Someone with dementia can experience rapid mood changes (when they haven’t in the past) or sometimes become more withdrawn or gregarious.
Become withdrawn and depressed
It’s not uncommon for someone with dementia to become withdrawn, stop participating in usual activities and become depressed.
What to do
If you have spot one or more of the signs above, it’s important to visit a doctor. You should never assume a diagnosis of dementia as there are a range of conditions that can have similar symptoms.
If your doctor suspects that there might be dementia they will perform a series of examinations and tests. These could include a physical examination, blood and urine tests, cognitive testing and brain imaging.
Some people may feel daunted or resistant to visit a doctor, as they may not recognise the changes in themselves (this can be due to the changes that are occurring in their brain from the dementia) or they may feel overwhelmed and scared of the thought of being diagnosed with dementia.
How to communicate with someone with dementia
Communicating with someone with dementia requires patience. While someone with dementia can lose the ability to remember language or have difficulty concentrating on conversations, they still feel their emotions. So whenever you spend time with someone, it’s important to always remain positive and caring.
People with dementia can still read body language and absorb the tone and pitch of our voices. The actual words we use account for just a small part in how we communicate. Avoid negative things such as eye rolls and sighs.
Tips when speaking to someone with dementia
- Remain calm and talk in a gentle, matter-of-fact way
- Keep sentences short and simple
- Make eye contact while they are speaking to you
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Allow time for what you’ve said to be understood and for a reply to be formulated
- Use names and labels to help clear the confusions, ie ‘it’s your daughter, Jan’.
- Give them simple options to reply to
What not to say to someone with dementia
- Don’t speak about them like they’re not there
- Don’t be condescending. Your condescending tone can easily picked up by the person, even if the words aren’t understood.
- Don’t speak about people in front of them, like they’re not there.
- Don’t interrupt them, even if you know what they’re talking about
- Don’t give orders and boss them around
- Don’t ask a lot of direct questions that rely on memory
Non-verbal ways to communicate with someone with dementia
- Make sure the tone of your voice matches what you’re saying.
- Touch hands and keep eye contact with the person you are speaking to.
- Don’t stand too close or over someone, respect their personal space.
- Point or use hand gestures to help explain what you’re saying.
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Robyn goes above and beyond at Murray Gardens
Picking fresh lemons from the grounds of Murray Gardens Retirement Village in Albury and leaving them at residents’ doors with a note saying, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’, is just one kind way Village Manager Robyn Anderson made a big difference during the height of the COVID pandemic.
“It was just a small way we could help brighten their day,” she says.
“Looking after residents is incredibly rewarding,” says Robyn. Which is probably why she doesn’t just simply do her job, but she always goes above and beyond every day to ensure that the village’s residents and her team are exceptionally supported and cared for.
Care at the forefront
“The residents’ care and welfare are at the forefront of my mind every day,” she says. “There is nothing more important.”
When the COVID pandemic started, Murray Gardens was put on high alert due to the older age of its residents. According to New South Wales rules at the time, each resident was required to isolate in their unit for 14 days after exposure.
“It wasn’t a fun time, but I had people relying on me to keep them safe,” she says.
Robyn immediately sprang into action on behalf of the affected residents, organising their meal deliveries, laundry service, rubbish collection, mail delivery and shopping. She also communicated with the residents’ families if they were unable to and performed regular welfare checks to ensure each and every resident was taken care of.
When COVID vaccines became available she also organised for an on-site vaccination clinic at the village.
Leading by example
When team members were forced into mandatory isolation, Robyn led by example, taking on roles far outside her own. She stepped in to fill maintenance shifts, learned to cook in the kitchen to ensure meal services continued, and gained competency in medication distribution.
She also filled several sleep-over shifts to care support for residents throughout the night, even though she had a day shift the following day.
“You just do what you have to do,” Robyn says.
However, her challenges did not end there. With Murray Gardens being located on the border of NSW and Victoria, and half of her team residing in Victoria, Robyn was faced with ever-changing border restrictions and government health directives affecting her ability to manage the village.
She applied for all the relevant permits for her team members residing in Victoria or she accommodated them at Murray Gardens, so they didn’t have to navigate the border crossing. Many residents with family in Victoria were also affected.
“It was an emotional time because there was a lot out of my control, but I tried my best to support everyone however I could.”
– Robyn Anderson
A passionate advocate
Robyn also recognises that some residents may need assistance to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
In February 2022, Robyn assisted in the introduction of a home care program via external provider Mercy Health. She built a relationship with the service provider that now offers personalised assistance for residents based on their needs.
“This not only helps residents stay independent but gives their families reassurance they have appropriate support,” she explains.
Robyn also identified aged units within the village that could be remodelled. She oversaw the refurbishment which resulted in the units being more senior-friendly.
She did all this while also managing a renovation of the village’s community centre and overseeing the installation of a solar energy project.
“Challenges like helping lower the cost of living for pensioners residents encourage you become more innovative as a leader.”
– Robyn Anderson
In April 2023, Robyn successfully ran both a flu and COVID clinic for the start of winter for all of the residents and our staff at the village. This has been a big undertaking to ensure everyone is kept as safe as possible and something that Robyn is understandably pretty proud of.
We can’t wait to see what Robyn does at Murray Gardens in the future!
Find a community with care you can count on
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