Retirement villages are built around values of community, connection, and care. These values remain at the heart of every village, no matter what the COVID-19 alert level. Here are some feel-good stories from retirement villages around New Zealand that provide a reassuring glimpse into village life in lockdown.
Ryman: Fantastic fathers celebrated despite lockdown
Several Ryman villages pulled off creative Father’s Day celebrations this year. At Keith Park, residents were treated to a pop-up novelty car show and dad-approved snacks. At Edmund Hillary, staff displayed ‘DAD’ in block letters on a hill within the village and Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator Lanei Dimaano dressed up as a cowboy to deliver personalised treats. Meanwhile at Grace Joel and Bert Sutcliffe, elaborate decorations brightened everyone’s day. Read the full story and see all the photos here.
Father’s Day decorations at Grace Joel Retirement Village
Oceania: Delivering delicious treats
At The Sands Village in Browns Bay, Executive Chef Leigh and his team personally delivered boxes of delicious treats to residents. Since the cafe is currently closed, staff at the village decided to bring the cafe to everyone instead! You can read the full story on Oceania’s Facebook page.
One of Oceania’s Executive Chefs preparing treats to deliver to residents
Metlifecare: Community gardens thrive
Greenwich Gardens is certainly living up to its name, with its thriving community garden project “delighting residents with fresh produce”. Led by resident and experienced gardener Jan Knight, the project includes individual and community gardens, worm farms, composting, and stream regeneration. Maintaining the gardens has provided a welcome sense of purpose and continuity throughout lockdown. Read the full story here.
Thriving community gardens at Greenwich Gardens
Heritage Lifecare: Fun events continue within safe bubbles
From celebrating Daffodil Day and Father’s Day to hosting their very own Olympic Games, residents at Heritage Lifecare retirement villages and care homes throughout the country have been active and social within their safe bubbles.
Daffodil Day celebrations at Edith Cavell Lifecare & Village
Bupa: Hallway bingo, free milk, and more
Staff at Bupa retirement villages have been going the extra mile to ensure residents have everything they need in lockdown. At Bupa Glenburn Retirement Village, village assistant Kristy dressed up as a cowgirl to deliver free milk. Meanwhile at Bupa Wattle Downs Retirement Village, ice cream deliveries have been a huge hit. And at Bupa Merrivale Retirement Village, residents have been getting together for competitive rounds of hallway bingo. Read the full story here.
A village assistant at Bupa Glenburn Retirement Village delivers free milk to residents
Find a village near you
As you can see from these stories, retirement villages provide a wonderful sense of community, connection, and support, especially in challenging times. Browse our directory to find a retirement village near you and request some information packs today.
