RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village, in Narrabeen, 23km north of Sydney’s CBD, which is the Not For Profit’s largest retirement living and aged care facility in NSW, held its Veteran March and Commemorative Anzac Service on Wednesday.
Air Commodore Nick Osborne (pictured below) presented the Anzac address with the laying of wreaths laid by Pipe Major Allan Watts. Residents were in attendance.
Image by Glenn Nicholls
NSW RSL is holding more than 600 commemorative events in communities across New South Wales. Getting involved in ANZAC Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together, honor the sacrifice of our service men and women, and show support for our current and past members of the armed forces.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has created three commemorative posters that anybody can print.
“Display our Anzac Day poster to commemorate all those who have served during wars, conflicts and peace operations,” said the department.
“We also acknowledge First Nations veterans and Australian service in East Timor (now Timor-Leste).”
Image by Glenn Nicholls
Holding ANZAC Day events for residents in advance of 25 April is a great way Village Professionals can observe this important day on our calendar with residents in a way that still allows residents to attend events on the actional day, at locations they have likely been attending with mates for decades.
Embarking on my journey in this sector, I’ve really enjoyed visiting our participants at their Villages. I often hear that each Village is different, with its unique types of accommodation, locations, operator models, residents, age of assets, and sizes. However, amidst these differences, is a common thread binds them together—the unwavering dedication of Village Professionals enhancing the lives of their residents.
Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved
Mattie Stepanek
Last week we had the pleasure of visiting The Arbour Berry for our first DCM Institute Networking Meeting, and I’ve been asked to do some reflective learning of my own and share my takeaways.
Learning isn’t confined to a classroom
We have spoken about this before in previous articles, there is a lot you can take away from spending time with peers.
Online learning in the Knowledge Centre is a key part of your development as a Village Professional, but there is real magic that happens when you get to sit in a room, around a table, or have a coffee and share ‘war stories’, as one person called it the other day.
Through casual conversations we were able to walk away with articles to look into reading, and insightful tips to help us develop a new problem-solving skill. Taking the time to network with peers presents an opportunity to expand our horizons.
Knowledge becomes wisdom after it is put to use
What was fascinating was sitting around a table of Village Professionals who had been in the role from 15 years to 15 days, and hearing some of their insights and interactions.
The connection was effortless with each challenge raised, teasing out options, possibilities and pathways forward by others willing to share their own knowledge. It reminds us the most valuable insights can be gained through spending time with peers, whether they’re from your own Village or a neighbouring one.
Networking events, Professional Development Days, and Masterclasses offer more than knowledge. They allow you to learn from peers about how they have put this knowledge into action, what worked, and in some cases, what didn’t.
Lonely is not being alone, it’s the fear that no one cares
During my time it has been fascinating to learn about how spread out this sector is. That many village professionals work similarly to what other sectors call ‘lone workers.’
What I’ve also learned is that when you put a group of Village Professionals in a room together, or on a webinar together, you all quickly realise that you are not alone.
Every Village, while distinct, is supported by dedicated professionals striving for the same goal: the well-being of residents. This shared purpose means that you have a wealth of industry knowledge and support at your fingertips. You all care.
These are my reflections from my own Learning Journal.
Reflections that remind me of the resilience and passion that define this sector. Despite the nuances that distinguish each village, the essence remains unchanged—a shared commitment to creating thriving communities.
Special Thanks
DCM Institute would like to thank Kylie Pickett and the team at The Arbour Berry for hosting us.
Renee England, Uniting’s Head of Seniors Services Sydney Central, take a bow.
Nearly 1000 staff, residents and their families turned out to party at Australian Turf Club’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse for the Not For Profit’s 24th annual Seniors Ball.
It is not a fund-raiser. It is solely a great way to say thank you to everyone at Uniting and is a highlight of NSW Seniors Week. It was the first Seniors Ball for four years due to COVID-19.
This year’s event embraced the theme of: Super heroes, Stars and Legends – A Star-Studded Affair, and featured dodgem cars, spinning tea cups, virtual reality and energetic dance moves.
Everyone attending transformed into their favourite icons and legends, mingling with many heroes, stars and stilt-walkers and creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Every residential aged care home was given a different theme and the residents really got into the event.
“The Seniors Ball provides a unique opportunity for residents, clients, families, and employees to unite, socialise, and celebrate our seniors with a positive and active spirit,” Renee said.
Louise joined Retire Australia as a Personal Care Assistant in February last year before becoming Village Manager of The Manor, which forms part of Tarragal Glen Retirement Village, in Erina.
Tarrgal Glen and The Manor are 81km north-northwest of Sydney, this retirement village was created in 1995 to cater for seniors who needed extra household assistance but could still live independently.
“I have a corporate background in management (both people management and business) and prior to The Manor, I was the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder of the designer furniture and homeware business House of Europe.
“I have stayed on the Central Coast, to continue my coaching and mentoring of the youth in detention but also to be around for my granddaughter who is now 11 months old.”
Louise Vangestel and Vanessa Fordyce, Village Manager of Retire Australia’s Wood Glen Retirement Village, also in Erina, founded Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club, based at The Haven, Terrigal.
The Tarragal Ourtrigger Canoe Club focuses on supporting not just the community but local Indigenous youth in partnership with the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre and Bara Barang Corporation.
Louise is Club President, and it was her club work which enabled her to being named 2024 Terrigal Woman of the Year.
“I am honoured that my small part of helping youth in detention and hopefully helping them make better decisions in life was acknowledged. I am very grateful but whilst I have won this, there is a whole club of people helping me do this program, so the award is as much for them as it is for me,” she said.
Louise, as steerer, and Vanessa, seat 2, won the 12km State Titles two weeks ago. The youths that the club mentors also won the Novice 6km race at the same event.
When you consider the national days on our calendar, ANZAC Day continues to hold profound significance in both Australia and New Zealand.
Established as a national public holiday in 1921, 25 April has continued to serve as a day of remembrance and reflection. A day of unity where we can pay our respects to those men and women who have lost their lives serving this country, and those who continue to do so to this day.
Knowing how important ANZAC Day is in retirement villages across the country, we thought we’d share a wonderful initiative from Ryman Healthcare.
Each year, residents from their Australian and New Zealand villages are invited to share stories of service to their country. These stories are then collected and shared in a book they call ‘Stories of Service.’
Robert Creek, 78, is a resident at John Flynn Retirement Village in Melbourne and a veteran of the Vietnam War. John served as a member of 3 Troop 1 Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). In 2024, Robert’s was one of the many shared in Ryman’s book.
Taking Part in 2024
No matter where you are on Anzac Day, you can commemorate April 25 with us. The ABC will have comprehensive broadcast coverage of Anzac Day services and events. Tune into their coverage throughout the day across ABC Radio, ABC listen app, ABC TV, ABC iview and online from 5.30am (AEST). Click on the picture for all the broadcasting options
Coverage includes commemorations and local marches in towns and cities around Australia as well as special Anzac Day programming.
RSL Australia provides details of what is happening in each state as well like the Sporting day events across the country and the Air Force Flying display that takes place in each state.
The last edition of FRIDAY followed the DCM Group’s successful LEADERS SUMMIT, attended by a record 579 people from the seniors living and aged care sector across the country.
We wanted to call out one that we feel every Village Professional should find the time to watch, a presentation by Cam Ansell.
About 11 years ago Cam Ansell jumped ship from advisory group Grant Thornton to establish his own advisory group, Ansell Strategic. Today he is at the forefront of the reshaping of retirement living and aged care, thanks to his in-demand mergers and acquisition business.
At the LEADERS SUMMIT in Sydney last week, he made the prediction that 11 years from now, there will be two hundred thousand residents enjoying ‘independent living’. This compares with today where 200,000 retirement village residents and 100,000 land lease residents live in affordable villages. The number will drop by 33%.
The video below explains what makes up this prediction for independent living, and talks to a significant rise in community based home care. A topic we have been exploring through our recent Home Care in Retirement Living Masterclasses.
Over the past two weeks, the DCM Institute hosted a Masterclass on Home Care in Retirement Living.
The webinar featured home care experts, Kylie Johnson from Living Choice, and Beverly Smith from myHomecare. The feedback from attendees was that the conversations had couldn’t have been more-timely, and when you look at the numbers it’s easy to see why.
According to PWC’s Retirement Living Census, the average age of residents within our villages is 81. We talk and write regularly around Dementia, with three out of every 10 Australians over the age of 80 living with a diagnosis. Research suggests there are many more undiagnosed.
Across the country we have Aged Care operators commending their facilities are full – and no more are being built.
The Home Care Packages Data Report (November 2023) suggests that as of 30 September 2023, there had been a 13% increase in people who had access to a Home Care Package (HCP) over the 12-month period. What’s more, there are an additional 31,500 waiting without
The numbers paint a picture that Village Managers are dealing with every day. Home Care is now part of our value proposition. The conversation on DCM Institute’s webinar came down to the types of models that are currently in the market, and what Managers can be doing to help residents remain independent and well in the safety of their retirement village home.
Equipping Village Managers with Essential Tools
“It’s about giving Village Managers that toolkit,” remarked Kylie, emphasising the importance of arming Managers with the necessary resources to support residents in their home care journey.
Kylie spoke about partnering with service providers in your local area health network to ensure Managers are having informed conversations with residents. This will then allow Village Managers to guide residents and their families effectively, promoting safety and independence as they age.
Establishing Strategic Partnerships
Beverly drew on her extensive experience with myHomecare, and previously Australian Unity where she was the Executive General Manager of their Retirement Living portfolio.
“Integrated models or long-term partnerships with home care providers are crucial,” she noted. These partnerships can be established at a local village level, or at a corporate level for larger operators. Regardless of the approach, Beverly advocated that a strategic partnership for those who do not provide home care as a service will ensure consistent and reliable support for residents and enhance the overall value proposition of the village community.
Leveraging My Aged Care as a Gateway
“My Aged Care is the National gateway into the Aged Care system,” highlighted Kylie.
By registering and exploring available resources on the platform, residents and Village Managers can gain valuable insights and access tailored support options.
Addressing Challenges in Accessing Timely Care
Acknowledging the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely care, Kylie highlighted lengthy wait times for assessments and approval of home care packages. It was noted that wait times can be up to 9 months for those with a Level 3 HCP.
Village Managers can play a proactive role, Kylie encouraged, through collaborating with family members, carers, discharge planners and case managers to expedite assessments, especially for high-priority cases.
Empowering Residents with Accurate Information
Beverly emphasised the importance of educating residents about their care options.
“Individualised advice is crucial,” she advised. By providing accurate information, Village Managers empower residents to make informed decisions about their care without unnecessary hesitation.
File Notes
The most challenging issue faced by Village Managers is when a resident’s health is deteriorating, and this is not being recognised or supported by family or loved ones. It was recommended by both Kylie and Beverly that Village Managers should take the time to keep quality ‘file notes’ – a simple record of what has been observed over a period of time.
Be Pro-active, collaborative and well informed.
The main take away from the webinar was the need for Village Professionals to be proactive in taking the time to understand the different care models, how to navigate systems like My Aged Care, and fostering partnerships with home care providers.
John Neill, who manages Levande’s Somerton Park, Brighton and Fullarton villages, was awarded SA/NT Village Manager of the Year at a Property Council Retirement Living Outlook event in Adelaide recently.
“It is an interesting time for the industry,” John said.
“With a younger group of people looking at retirement living, it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves over the next five to 10 years.”
He added Levande has “fairly ambitious targets ahead and obviously there is the wellbeing side of things and integration of care”.
Leanne Zannoni, who manages Keyton’s Forest Hills Retirement Village in Nunawading, a suburb 18km east of Melbourne’s CBD, said her team at Forest Hills “have been through a journey the past 12 months and there is another big 12 months to come.”
“My journey in retirement living over the past three years has been a short one so far, but a lovely one and I couldn’t have done it without the support of so many people that I have met and who have supported me,”she said.
“Thank you to the Keyton team, we have had a big year, and our executive team has been amazing.
“They have led with heart, supported everyone along the way and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
In the running for the National Village Manager of the Year, John and Leoni will join:
Jodie Shelley, ACT/NSW Village Manager of the Year;
Leanne Zannoni, VIC/TAS Village Manager of the Year, and
Stephen Pether, Queensland Village Manager of the Year,
This year’s national winner will be announced at the National Retirement Living Awards on the Gold Coast in June.
The role of a Village Professional can at times feel like walking a tightrope.
In the broadest terms, the basic role of a village manager is to deliver, or facilitate the services promised under the operator’s contract to residents living within their community. Gosh, if only it was that easy!
In reality, every day Village Professionals are balancing residents needs and expectations against legislative and contractual agreements, sometimes in the absence of clear parameters.
And as a result, Village Professionals often find themselves in positions where they have to make decisions – and big ones.
In my experience, the Village Professionals who make the best decisions generally follow eight steps, which you can use as a guide.
Here are eight questions to ask yourself before your next big decision.
Is the answer in the legislation?
Is the answer in the contract/residence agreement?
Is there an organisational policy/position guideline around this matter?
What will be the impact on the operations/budget?
What will be the impact on the resident or other residents?
Does this decision require further consultation with others?
Common sense – does it pass the ‘pub test’?
Does it fit in with the values of the organisation? (Be careful not to bias with your personal values here.)
When these steps aren’t bearing fruit, you may also consider:
Whether you may need to gather some further information; and/or,
Are there alternative positions/solutions?
One of the most important lessons in my career, after working on and in more than 200 villages, has been to make sure that my decisions are thoughtful.
I’m constantly asking whether I’ve followed due process, considered all angles, being transparent and can explain the why of my decision.
As a side note, I have also learnt sometimes my decisions may need to be reviewed or amended. Having the ability to revisit a decision (even if it eventually comes out the same) shows respect, and your residents will certainly appreciate it.
After the year we’ve had, it’s fair to say plenty of us are hanging out for Christmas.
With just seven weeks to go, we thought it was worth researching the postal cut-off dates to make sure everyone’s parcels arrive with plenty of time to spare.
This year we’ve set a few reminders, and it’s worth sharing these dates with your residents who might want to send parcels of their own.
Australia Post guidelines
Sending within Australia:
Send Parcel Post by Saturday 12 December 2020. Send Express Post by Saturday 19 December 2020.
For sending letters within Australia this Christmas, standard delivery timeframes apply.
Sending internationally:
Delivery dates to send your Christmas parcels and letters overseas are listed below. Circumstances can change rapidly, so these dates may be subject to change. Also, note that time in customs is not included in our delivery time estimate and is outside of Australia Post’s control.
Recommended final sending dates for major destinations (Standard Post):
USA, Canada, UK, Europe: Monday 16 November 2020
Most of Asia: Monday 23 November 2020
New Zealand: Friday 27 November 2020.
You can find more information on the Australia Post website here, but as is always the case with this sort of thing it pays to err on the side of caution!
