Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at RetireAustralia villages on the Central Coast are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between covert crochet surprises and impromptu patio performances, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Wood Glen Retirement Village Manager, Vanessa Fordyce, says despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
“The unique challenges presented by the pandemic have also been the inspiration for some innovative solutions, with a range of fun and heart-warming rituals established in our community during lockdown.”
Wood Glen resident, 67-year-old Sue Thomson, has sewn herself a reputation as the local ‘Heart Bomber’, crocheting coloured hearts and hiding them all over the village to bring joy to older neighbours who are finding the lockdown a little tough.
“What I’ve been doing is crocheting little hearts and in the dead of night I sneak out and put them around the village,” she said.
“Some, I tie in the trees. Some I leave in the doorstep for people who live alone. Because if you’re over 70, you’re not supposed to be out, and you’re not supposed to have visitors, that can be lonely for people.”
At Forresters Beach Retirement Village, resident village crooner Geoff Grundy has taken his weekly Tuesday jam session to the streets, serenading the community with a bevy of classic hits from his front patio, as they indulge in a few ‘bevvies’ of their own during ‘Happy Hour’ in their driveways.
Forresters Beach Village Manager Julie Ramage has been astounded by the response from her community throughout the pandemic. “There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village, and to just put a smile on each other’s faces. People have wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” she said.
RetireAustralia villages on the Central Coast like Wood Glen, Forresters Beach, Tarragal Glen and Glengara have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We know older Australians are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and this can have a detrimental effect on their physical health, leading to sleep disruption, increased cortisol levels and elevated blood pressure. Particularly during this period of social distancing, we’re prioritising our residents’ mental health just as much as their physical wellbeing.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms Ramage said.
Each of the four RetireAustralia retirement villages on the Central Coast in NSW offer a unique blend of stylish facilities and friendly staff, catering to an array of different lifestyles. From the sophisticated and elegant resort-style facilities at Wood Glen to the beautiful and contemporary lakeside villas at Forresters Beach, there’s a RetireAustralia community to suit all retirees on the Central Coast.
ENDS
Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at Drayton Villas Retirement Village are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between the ‘Daily Wave’ and 1980s-inspired exercise routines, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Village Manager Rachael McCarthy says that despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
What started as a quick morning loop around the village on her golf cart to check in on her residents has turned into a daily ritual. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Daily Wave’, each morning at 9am, she is greeted by a chorus of residents waving her through the street, and occasionally, bursting into song.
“One morning, I was doing my usual rounds on the buggy and the whole street surprised me with a spontaneous rendition of ‘You Are My Sunshine’. It nearly brought tears to my eyes!
“There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village. People have really wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” she said.
“With the restrictions in place, many of our residents are missing out on their usual exercise routines. Whether that’s catching up for bowls, going for a dip in the indoor pool or playing a hit of tennis. So we introduced ‘Let’s Get Physical’, a quick and easy street-based exercise program to keep our residents moving while our community facilities are closed. Think Aerobics Oz Style for Seniors, but with the instructors in neon tutus!” said Ms McCarthy.
Village staff have also introduced ‘Wacky Wednesday’, a dedicated day for residents to get creative and release their pent up energy in an explosion of zany themes, including Crazy Sock Day, Wacky Hat Day, Pyjama Day and most recently, a 60s inspired ‘Distancing Disco’ on the street.
RetireAustralia villages like Drayton Villas have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms McCarthy said.
Drayton Villas has been an integral part of the local community for 27 years, and is the longest serving retirement village in Toowoomba. The village is well known for its community-spirited resident group, active social committee and award-winning gardens. The village brought home a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the 2018 Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition.
Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their strong community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at Glengowrie Retirement Village are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between treasure hunts, dress up days and a pop-up soup delivery service, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Village Manager Debbie Dean says that despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
“One resident recently discovered that a pumpkin vine had sprung up unexpectedly in her garden. That prompted a group to set up a pop-up delivery service, dropping home-made pumpkin soup to each of our residents. We’ve already got more than 100 takers who we will deliver soup to on Friday from the comfort of our golf cart, megaphone at the ready, dressed as a pumpkin and a chef!” she said.
Meanwhile, resident Catherine Beinke is also the village’s ‘Chief Sunshine Maker’. She has been crocheting little rays of sunshine, making more than 30 crocheted suns for a home-grown treasure hunt. The suns have been decorated with an assortment of faces and are hidden throughout the village for avid walkers to discover.
“There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village and to just put a smile on each other’s faces. People have wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” Ms Dean said.
Glengowrie residents have also been passing the time by planning regular dress up days. Residents who get in on the fun are rewarded for their efforts with a hand-made photo book the next day – a fond reminder of an otherwise challenging time.
RetireAustralia villages like Glengowrie Retirement Village have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms Dean said.
Glengowrie Retirement Village offers 114 independent living units and 23 serviced apartments to cater to a range of needs. Ideally located in the seaside suburb of Glengowrie, the village blends into its peaceful surroundings but is just moments from shops, services, public transport options and local attractions like Glenelg’s Jetty Road.
29 April 2020
A new standard of aged care unlike anything seen before on the NSW Central Coast was officially unveiled at the opening of RetireAustralia’s Glengara Care apartments at Tumbi Umbi today.
The $35 million project of 70 apartments offers a premium, bespoke model of tailored care giving older Australians unprecedented choice to live life their way.
The first residents of Glengara Care have moved into their new homes and are experiencing the luxury accommodation and support services.
Central Coast Councillor Jilly Pilon joined RetireAustralia representatives at a launch ceremony and exclusive tour of Glengara Care, which is located within the resort-style Glengara Retirement Village.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said Glengara Care was a positive alternative to outdated models that had eroded confidence in the aged care sector.
“Glengara Care is a unique solution. Our apartments are genuine homes, not a hospital-like environment, where residents can enjoy beautiful surroundings and entertain their family and friends.
“Their happiness and independence is paramount. They can stay with a partner, keep a pet and continue to enjoy life’s luxuries – supported by highly trained staff and specialist equipment available for their wellbeing.
“With a personalised care plan for each resident and a structured financial proposal providing peace of mind, support will always be available to residents no matter how their needs change.’’
New resident Phyllis Goswell, who experienced heart troubles recently, moved into Glengara Care for the peace of mind offered by the tailored care.
“There is always someone on hand when you need help,’’ Mrs Goswell said.
“A lot of people think of a nursing home when they think of aged care. Here, it’s nothing like a nursing home.
“You have the freedom to come and go and set your own schedule, without the responsibility of things like grocery shopping.
“And when relatives come to visit, they are surprised by how roomy it is here too.’’
Fellow resident Ron Cottle enjoys interacting with other people and he values the friendly atmosphere at Glengara.
Friday evening “happy hours’’ at the village’s Country Club allow him to meet others and enjoy being part of the community.
“I’m content here. I wouldn’t go anywhere else,’’ said the former Sydneysider.
Dr Robinson said the launch of Glengara Care was a direct response to the changing expectations of Australian families.
“Glengara Care is a fantastic addition to the Glengara community. Now our residents can enjoy their community for longer, even if their care needs change. We are truly making our communities a home for life for our residents.’’
The spacious apartments offer the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom and kitchenette, with views to the internal atrium and rural landscape.
Meals are prepared by professional chefs and the care team is on hand 24/7 to meet the needs of residents, including an emergency response team as well as high level day-to-day support and clinical services.
Registered nurses provide medical assistance throughout the night if needed.
Residents will also benefit from access to Glengara’s wide range of existing facilities and activities, including expansive gardens, a bowls green, gym, cafe, private treatment rooms, bar, swimming pool and beauty salon.
RetireAustralia plans to introduce the unique care model in other locations. To find out more about the new Glengara Care offering, phone 1800 955 070 or register your details at www.glenaracare.com.au
