Retirement villages vs aged care
Retirement villages and aged care aren’t the same thing.
Residents have a say in village life
Sunday, 24 November 2024
Resident committees play a crucial role in the smooth operation and vibrant community life of our retirement villages.
Living in a retirement village means being part of a community and making social connections in a supportive environment. Because all villages are unique, we invite residents to have their say in creating the kind of community that works for them.
One such way to get involved in village life is joining the resident committees. These groups, composed of dedicated residents, act as a bridge between the village management and the residents, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and their needs are met.
Let's explore what these committees do, why they matter and hear from residents who are actively involved in their village committees.
What do resident committees do?
Resident committees are responsible for a variety of tasks that help maintain and improve the quality of life within a retirement village. They liaise with management on behalf of the residents, ensuring that any concerns or suggestions are communicated effectively.
Committees also often have a say in the village's budget, helping to prioritise spending on projects that benefit the broader community. They also organise social events and activities, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that residents have ample opportunities to engage and enjoy their time.
Learn more: What are the monthly service fees?
Robert is currently serving his second term as chairman of the Windsor Park resident committee. "I came straight in as chairperson. I didn't go on the committee and then became the chairperson. I got straight in this chair. It was a baptism by fire," he says.
When asked about his role and the responsibilities of the committee, he explains, "We liaise with management to make sure that the residents are well represented. We meet regularly twice a year with Keyton's leadership team. They come down here, meet the whole committee and we have a pretty good discussion about things. We are also involved in the budget for the village. I see my role as making sure there's a really good active program for the residents."
Robert is in his second term as Windsor Park's resident committee chairperson
Why do resident committees matter?
The presence of a resident committee is vital for several reasons:
- Representation: They ensure that residents' voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
- Community building: By organising events and activities, they help create a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Advocacy: Committees can advocate for residents' rights and work towards resolving any disputes with management.
- Improvement projects: They play a key role in planning and overseeing improvements within the village, ensuring that projects are completed with minimal disruption to residents.
Shaping village life
For Robert, being able to design community activities that support not only the physical but also mental and inner wellbeing of his neighbours is a big part of why he loves his role. "I've always been a social animal. I believe that by caring for people’s mental, physical and inner wellbeing, activities become more enjoyable and we can help them reach their full potential. In my role as chairman, I want to hopefully in some way assist with that."
Resident committees are also involved in projects that will benefit the whole village. "In my time as chairperson, I have been involved in numerous discussions to improve the village. I was involved in a project that will see the roofs of the villas continuously updated over the next couple of years and also renewing the fence around the perimeter of the village," says Robert.
"We are also subsidising the Christmas dinner this year. It's costing the residents $20 for fully catered 3 courses - the committee covers the rest of the cost. My dream is that next year, it will be free for everyone."
Anne, resident committee chair at The Aerie at Narrabundah, ACT, has a similar story to tell. "My experience during the just over 3 years I have been at The Aerie is that residents are encouraged to have their say and that village management make a very big effort to accommodate the views of the residents. Sometimes the response to a particular issue can be very slow – but we usually get there."
High satisfaction among residents
Resident committees are the backbone of retirement village life, ensuring that residents' needs are met and their voices are heard. Through their efforts, they help create a supportive and vibrant community where everyone can thrive.
In a survey of Keyton residents, we received advocacy rates that are above-industry standard and very high satisfaction levels. These results show the positive living experiences Keyton residents have. In fact, 4 out of 5 residents report being very satisfied with living in their village.
Residents are very satisfied with retirement village life
While we’re thrilled with our survey results, comments from our residents and the stories they share show us just how happy they are with village life.
‘It's a very special place. The people here have made us feel so welcome. It's just lovely. And it's not only the people who live here that are fabulous. The people who look after us are amazing, too.’
Rhonda, The Baytree by Ardency, NSW
‘Our new lifestyle is great! We can take part in as many activities as we like. Or we can choose to do as we please. The flexibility of village life is wonderful.’
Ross, Elliot Gardens, SA
‘The village provides such a sense of community… It’s a place where you can really connect with others.’
Lisa, The Grove Ngunnawal, ACT
‘I’m so grateful that I'm in a village surrounded by staff and residents who genuinely care about me.’
Margaret, Goodwin Close, VIC
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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