Retirement villages and land lease communities have always offered Australians the chance to maintain connections with their community in their retirement.
This is obviously now being affected by COVID-19 with their gyms, libraries and community centres shut down, chairs and tables taken away at cafes to maintain social distancing and residents encouraged to not have grandchildren visit.
But villages and communities are also taking steps to support residents’ health and mental wellbeing.
Some villages tell us they are conducting regular welfare checks on their residents and that if residents are in isolation, they can have someone shop for them or have groceries and prescriptions delivered to their door.
Many communities also provide the option of meal delivery services with staff on hand to help with any issues.
Importantly, villages are still doing what they do best – helping to combat social isolation and loneliness – with activities that allow residents to stay socially distanced, setting up Facebook pages for people to chat and offering online brain training games.
At Aura Holdings’ retirement community at The Avenue Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, Village Manager Mandy Julian organised ‘Balcony Bingo’ this week with residents coming out to their balconies – while keeping their distance – to take part.
Proof that you are never alone if you are in a village or LLC.
