If you or a loved one are considering retirement living, it’s important to take the time to explore a few options before making your decision. Websites like villages.com.au make it super easy to check out different retirement villages or lifestyle communities. Whether you’re looking for a place close to family or dreaming of a seaside spot, the right location can make all the difference.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s essential to sit down with the Village Manager. They should be more than happy to take time to chat with you, answer questions, and give you a good idea of what the village offers.

One of the first things you’ll want to ask about is the services available. If your loved one is a man, for example, it’s worth asking about any programs or services specifically for him. Even if both parents are moving into the village, it’s still a good idea to check how services are tailored to meet everyone’s needs.

Sue Nelson, the Village Manager at RetireAustralia’s Newling Gardens Retirement Village in Armidale, NSW, has been with the village since 2018 and truly stands out as a great example of what a Village Manager can be.

During COVID, Sue noticed that men’s mental health was becoming a growing concern, especially for those living alone or whose wives were in aged care. Some of the men even expressed that they didn’t want to keep living. Sue thought about this and came up with a plan to make a difference.

She spoke to her husband, Anthony, who has a farming background, and suggested bringing some of the men to the farm for a day of cattle work. Sue knew it would boost their morale, as many of the men had spent their lives working the land. With the support of her team, she organised a special day for eight men to join her and Anthony on the property.

The day began with a relaxing start over billy tea and cake. Then, the men got to work –branding, earmarking cattle, and chatting about the old days. It was like taking them back to a time when they felt their best, and the boost in morale was amazing. It turned into a day full of life and energy, and the men didn’t want to leave.

On another occasion, when many families couldn’t visit their loved ones for Father’s Day during the pandemic, Sue came up with a fun idea. She decided to take Happy, her horse, into the village and hand out beer and snacks to all the men. Even though some of the residents tried to talk her out of it, she was determined. The event was a huge success and is still talked about by residents today.

Sue also introduced monthly “Men’s Chat” sessions, where the men could gather under a tent, enjoy a drink, and talk about health or just have some light-hearted conversation. And let’s not forget the “Paint and Sip” sessions, where residents enjoyed tea or coffee while creating their own artwork together.

These are just a few examples of the many activities Sue and her team have implemented to make the village feel like home. Sue’s commitment to the residents is clear, and her efforts have earned an incredible 100% resident satisfaction score – an achievement that’s pretty rare in the industry!

So, when you’re choosing a retirement village, don’t forget to ask about the Village Manager’s satisfaction score. After all, they play a key role in making sure the community feels like home.