Jenny lives in a serviced apartment at Malvina Major Retirement Village in Wellington and has been a resident for just over two years.
Jenny said she always felt comfortable and safe in the village. Even with the worldwide pandemic, she found the village to be a safe haven.
“We were treated so well during lockdown,” she said.
She noted the cheerfulness of the staff during a time when they had their own families to care for and how nothing was a bother for them.
Even the Village Manager, Lynne made it clear, “if we needed anything, we only
had to ask.”
“Ryman kept us well informed with the newsletters and updates. Things were changing so quickly as the levels changed.
“I was amazed at the food packages they delivered with fresh milk, bread and
biscuits as well as our meals." It certainly helped as it meant her family did not to have to worry about those things.
“It was very well organised and well planned. I felt Ryman made it easy for us.”
Jenny enjoys the village music appreciation classes and although they were
cancelled during lockdown, she’s preparing for the next class. She also likes to help in the village library.
Walking around the village was gentle exercise and Jenny enjoyed meeting new
residents who had recently moved into the new Figaro apartments. She also kept
in touch with family through Facetime and emails.
Now things are more relaxed, Jenny said, “It’s lovely to be able to get a coffee at
the café again and she is so looking forward to the beauty salon opening.”
“I take my hat off to all the staff,” she said, “They always had a smile for us.”
Like many residents in Ryman Healthcare villages, Jenny has shown resilience
and understanding during this challenging period.
At a time when residents in aged care were most vulnerable Ryman Healthcare
responded quickly.
The aim was to keep COVID-19 out and protect all residents in care who were most vulnerable to the virus and create safe havens for
residents by making sure they had everything they needed without having to leave while the Level 4 lockdown was in place.
They ensured residents could stay home by providing deliveries of essential items.
‘Happy Hour in a Bag’ was always popular and was often accompanied with extra treats.
Ryman delivered 9,000 Bidfood grocery orders and 56,000 ‘Happy Hour in a Bag’ packages over seven weeks and they also rolled out Zoom to more than 3,800 devices connecting thousands of families in this way. They delivered 70 new devices to each village to be used by serviced apartment residents.
Along with providing fitness classes and games for residents (at a distance and
online), Ryman continued to communicate with residents and families by email,
delivering newsletters and keeping their website updated on the latest announcements.
As well as caring for the residents’ physical needs Ryman conducted welfare check calls and arranged counselling for anyone struggling.
As the restrictions ease, the community is buzzing: new residents are excited to move into the village and others, who have found this time particularly trying, have decided to join the village to experience the care Jenny speaks of
so highly.
Sales advisor Bronwyn welcomes your call to arrange an appointment for you and
a family member to tour the village, view the available serviced apartments and
discuss your retirement options. There is also a raft of information available at
rymanhealthcare.co.nz.
