KindYour Life SINGING RESIDENTS STRIKE A CHORD - of - Milife ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Your
Kind Life
VILLAGE NEWS - July 2021
of
SINGING
RESIDENTS
STRIKE
A CHORD
Taking Tech to
New Heights
Mad Hatters Tea Party
w w w. m i l i f e . c o . n z
Director’s Update
Well, firstly welcome to our new look MiLife We also addressed clauses that we perceived
newsletter! We hope you find it an informative as being perhaps unclear and one-sided. We
and interesting read that you can relax and removed the ambiguity around repairs and
enjoy with your afternoon cuppa. maintenance and decided the obligation
Retirement villages have been in the news should lie with the operator. As such, we
recently and issues raised may have caused don’t on-charge repair costs, except for a
concern for some. I’d like to take this few exclusions which are clearly noted in the
opportunity to reassure you and clear up any documentation. This is uncommon within the
misinformation. industry and has resulted in a significant cost to
the business, but it ensures we are looking after
The Commission for Financial Capability’s our assets properly and gives residents peace
review of the retirement village industry found of mind. We have also worked with residents,
that the current regulations tend to favour or their families, in the past to make partial
the operator rather than the resident. The payments of termination amounts when there
retirement commissioner has recommended a is an immediate requirement for funds. To be
full legislative framework review of the industry. able to repay full termination amounts within a
Rather than ignore this, I wanted to be upfront short period (within one month of termination
with you about the issues raised and MiLife’s as some groups are calling for) would create
response so you can be sure we’re acting in significant pressure on operator cashflows.
your best interests.
The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) has
While there is room for ongoing improvement challenged the CFFC’s findings, accepting that
as an industry, we do feel that some of whilst there are areas that require change, a
the criticisms are unduly harsh and are not full review is unnecessary. Each of our MiLife
reflective of all operators. The key issues raised villages has a copy of the RVA’s report and I
are categorised into three groups: moving in, would encourage those interested to read it.
living in, and moving on. Moving in focuses on The industry is growing at a significant rate
disclosures when signing up and standardisation with around 100 new residents moving into a
of legal documentation. Living in considers retirement village every week. People have the
the robustness of complaints processes and choice of whether a village is right for them, but
clarification on who is responsible for repairs we strongly believe it does provide the ideal
and maintenance. Moving on mostly covers retirement lifestyle.
the financial impact of exit provisions including
resale times, sharing of capital gains and the We feel proud of what we offer here at MiLife.
charging of weekly fees beyond termination While there may be times when issues are raised,
date. Confusion around the transfer to care we feel we listen and act when appropriate.
process is also a contentious issue although What we provide goes well beyond a home to
only applicable to those villages who provide a live in. We provide a community and support
full continuum of care. that people wouldn’t receive if they lived in a
residential neighbourhood. As always, you are
We do feel some of the suggestions are valid. our priority and we are here if you have any
In fact, two years ago, MiLife carried out a questions or concerns.
review of our documentation and amended it
to ‘plain English’ in a more standardised form. Jenny Tyler, Director
2 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | J U LY 2 0 2 1
Singing residents strike a chord
An enthusiastic, talented group of singers from
MiLife New Plymouth took their voices on the
road in April. Every Monday morning you’ll find
the choir singing at the top of their lungs and
on several occasions performing concerts for
the village. Their renditions of old favourites
and modern tunes are gaining in popularity
with recent invitations to perform outside the
village gates! The first stop? Our Palmerston
North village, as a way of connecting the three
MiLife sites. We scheduled two concerts, Grove while others dashed to Kmart - only to
booked a bus, and hit the road! return slightly late to a busload of residents
With a 7am departure and a few toilet stops, singing ‘why are we waiting?’... What a hoot!
the group arrived in Palmerston North around The choir rolled into their second concert to
10.30am. The first concert was in front of a the Palmy residents, and it was smiling faces
group of lucky residents from Rosewood Park. all around. A huge thank you for the generous
The singers were well received, and a “Grease ‘take-away’ boxes the residents gifted the
Lightning” encore was requested – must have singers for their long trip home.
been those leather jackets! Everyone’s feedback was extremely positive
The New Plymouth residents rested their vocal with the concerts inspiring some Palmy
cords while having a lovely lunch put on by Sue. residents to start their own singing group –
A group of singers then took a tour of Kelvin maybe another road trip is on the cards!
3
Taking tech to new heights
One of Bell Vista’s oldest residents,
Jim Kelly proves that age is no
barrier to learning new skills
Apps...YouTube...Facetime….Zoom…the
ever-changing world of technology can be
baffling at the best of times. During June,
residents from Bell Vista and Kelvin Grove
took their digital learning into their own hands
by attending tech sessions with Age Concern,
local teenagers, and library staff. While it can
be overwhelming learning how to operate in
the digital world, going online is an easy way
to pay bills and buy groceries, send emails, Jacki and Barbara getting some tech tips from the next
generation
book appointments, connect with friends and was a wonderful way to bring different people
family, and access information 24/7. within the community together,” says Village
Armed with their devices, 10 residents from Manager Ange. “It was created as a one-off
MiLife Bell Vista teamed up with students from session but it’s likely we will get a bonus one,
New Plymouth Girls High and New Plymouth thanks to Age Concern and the funding from
Boys High for an afternoon of learning, our local Council.”
facilitated by Age Concern. The residents Age Concern will also be offering in-house
asked questions, discussed challenges, and drop in tech lessons with an IT expert and
walked away having resolved their issues. volunteers at its New Plymouth office in Liardet
“Our residents were the first to take part in Street. You can find out more or register by
these 1.5-hour tech sessions in Taranaki. It calling 06 759 9196.
On the subject of tech and the internet,
have you seen our new website?
If not, then take the time to have a look. You will
see lots of familiar faces! All the images on the
site are of our very own MiLife residents. A big
thanks to everyone who got involved. We are so
pleased with the final result!
www.milife.co.nz
4 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | J U LY 2 0 2 1
Smiles all round at Kelvin Grove’s digital help sessions
Turning the page on technology
Tuesdays just got more interesting for Two residents (Anne Fletcher and Pat Bellhouse)
residents at MiLife Kelvin Grove. The Public even received after-care, when library staff
Library received funding for two staff members offered to visit them at home to fix their tech
to come to the village and teach the local issues! Anne thanked tech advisor Daniel for
community about digital technology. helping her by making him a carrot cake. “After
Residents learned about YouTube, internet the first bite, I was keen to not share this carrot
searching, and how to add apps like Stuff. cake with anyone else it was divine! Thanks
Some started right at the beginning; learning Anne and I’m pleased I could assist you”. It
the basics of their device, how to turn off sounds like Daniel got as much benefit as Anne.
background working apps, scams and what to For anyone wanting more help or assistance,
look out for, and online banking. the Palmerston North City Library is continuing
The five fortnightly sessions were hugely to run drop-in digital help sessions at the library.
helpful for all residents involved. Kelvin Grove Call 06 351 4100 for more details.
resident, Deniece said “I have become a Our Rosewood Park residents will not be missing
member of the Public Library as a result of out either. From July, the Levin Public Library
this tech course. Thanks for directing me into will be holding tech sessions at Rosewood Park
a world of history and photo collections, this where residents can get help with using social
platform is free and amazing. You have given media, apps, digital banking, and all things
me more confidence to explore the internet tech-related. It is so exciting to see such great
world and I know if I get stuck, I can head into community resources being made available.
the library, and a nice IT person can assist me.
Sometimes my grandchildren are just too fast
for me to follow!”.
5
Mad Hatters Tea Party turns heads
While everyone was devouring chocolate eggs
over Easter, the Rosewood Park residents
celebrated by sitting down to a Mad Hatters
Tea Party wearing silly hats they designed
themselves.
Surviving Winter with Soup and Chocolate Pud at the mid-
winter gala!
arranging a mid-winter gala in June where
talented village soup makers presented six
Rosewood Park residents enjoying the chance to get
creative at their Mad Hatter’s Tea Party delicious soups, followed by chocolate cake
and cream.
“There were prizes for the best hat and a “Jams, relishes, slices, and lovely homemade
resident’s daughter came to waitress for the items were on sale and the resident baby
afternoon. Everyone loved listening to a young competition was a lot of fun - some very cute
violinist while they ate a delicious afternoon baby photos on show!” says Linda. “A huge
tea organised by the committee,” says Village thank you to our fantastic Social Committee for
Manager Linda. organising activities. There is always something
The committee were in full swing shortly after on the calendar to look forward to!”
6 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | J U LY 2 0 2 1
Sue and the Topp Twins
RVA Conference 2021
In May, Angela, Sue and Jenny spent two days
at the annual Retirement Villages Association
(RVA) conference in Auckland. The conference
provided a great opportunity to meet with
others in the industry and get insight on
what is happening within the industry. This
year there were some great speakers such
as Ryman founder and industry pioneer John
Ryder, Sir Bill English, outgoing Arvida CEO
Bill MacDonald, Minister for Seniors Aleisha
Verrall, Retirement Commissioner Jane
access some benefits of retirement village
Wrightson and ANZ Chief Economist Sharon
living. They subscribe to a membership which
Zollner. Given the recent publicity around the
gives them access to a local village community
CFFC Whitepaper and calls for reform in the
centre, access to private home care and a
industry, the RVA also invited President of the
transport service. Day one of the conference
Retirement Villages Residents Association,
ended with a surprise for everyone as the Topp
Peter Carr to share his point of view on issues
Twins took to the stage just as energy levels
facing the sector.
were fading. In no time Lynda and Jools had
It was inspiring to hear what developments the 400 conference attendees up on their feet
operators are making such as Arvida’s “Good singing, dancing and learning to yodel! Being
Friends” initiative which allows those who wish a big fan Kelvin Grove Manager Sue, managed
to stay in their own home the opportunity to to get a photo with the ladies afterwards.
7
Wills Road Development
More villas opening
up at MiLife on Wills
Exciting times at MiLife on Wills as six more Clare are doing a great job of landscaping as
villas open their doors to new residents. The the development continues and always have
two-bedroom villas, most with magical views the grounds and gardens looking fantastic.”
of Mount Taranaki, will be available in late Looking at the site in these photos, makes it
August. Two properties have already been difficult to imagine the finished result, but
snapped up and it won’t take long for the once the team get stuck in to create wonderful
other four to follow because of the wonderful gardens and outdoor spaces these villas will
community reputation at MiLife on Wills. look amazing.
“Our small village of 27 villas makes us quite Once the six units are completed, G.J. Gardner
unique. When people visit us, their feedback will be moving straight onto the final stage;
always relates to the quality and spaciousness building four three-bedroom villas and two
of the villas and their great outdoor spaces,” two-bedroom units.
says MiLife on Wills Manager, Kathy. “Mel and
8 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | J U LY 2 0 2 1
Knitters with a mission
Our wonderful knitters at Rosewood Park
have been knitting for various charities over
recent years. Their latest creations were just
that little more special. The group decided
this time that they would donate their lovely
pieces to the charity shop at Arohanui
Hospice.
wonderful heart-warming messages about our
lovely MiLife knitters. Some even commented
they have received little hats from previous
donations to a maternity ward. It was so nice
for Linda to be able to share these comments
This had special significance as the month
with the knitting group and for them to see the
prior our Village Manager Linda sadly lost
positive impact they were having. One person
her Dad and he spent time at the Arohanui
even donated a huge amount of wool so the
hospice. Proud and touched by what the group
ladies can continue their quest.
had achieved Linda posted a picture of the
beautiful creations on her personal Facebook We have so many residents within our MiLife
page and she was blown away by the response. villages doing great things for others and it’s
She received over 200 comments and likes with so nice when they are acknowledged.
9
Who said a quiet retirement?
The social calendars have been busy across the MiLife villages proving that life doesn’t have
to slow down when you retire. We have seen some great events this year and it’s amazing to
see so many people getting involved. We can’t list them all, but we have mentioned some
highlights so you can see what is happening around the MiLife communities.
• Americana – once again we were spoilt with a visit to the village and got to partake in some
joy riding! (pics 1-3)
• We have seen some fabulous shared dinners that are always enjoyed and well attended
• Easter morning tea
• Walking group – this active group have been venturing to some interesting places lately
• A trip to the Mangamingi sheep trials was a highlight from earlier in the year
• Zumba has made a resurgence after the residents convinced Ange to take classes again!
1 2
3 4
• Mid-Winter Christmas – the potluck dinner menu sounded delicious
• Pizza and Rugby nights, a great way to spend a winter evening (pic 4)
• After travelling outside the village to exercise classes, residents have decided to run their own,
with weekly classes in the community centre
• New resident welcome morning teas have filled the calendar as our newest village continues
to grow
10 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | J U LY 2 0 2 1• Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea Fundraiser – great to see our residents supporting important
charities
• Monthly Men’s Day Out trips – they are still finding new places to explore! (pic 5)
• A great day out to see Jersey Boys at the Opera House in Wellington
• A variety of guest speakers, including ‘Life without a Car’ by Age Concern and ‘Reducing
Long-Term Medication’ from a local pharmacist
• Since starting up last year, the Lady Travelers are continuing their monthly outings and have
enjoyed some great outings recently
• Inspired by the Bell Vista Singer’s visit, Kelvin Grove residents have started their own group
who meet for a weekly sing along
6
5
8
7
9
• St Patricks Day – always a great celebration at Rosewood Park (Pics 6-7)
• Waiouru Army Museum Trip (pic 8)
• Mad Hatters Tea Party and Mid-Winter Gala – soup and chocolate pudding!
• Easter celebrations – staff made special deliveries to residents (pic 9)
• Our knitting group donated their latest creations to Hospice and received great support
for their hard work after Linda shared on social media. Well done ladies!
• Trip To Kelvin Grove to see the ‘MiLife Singers’ Concert
11K
Eager Wills Road residents enjoying some morning
Gin tasting!
A trip with a twist at MiLife on Wills
To keep our residents on their toes, we Distilling, a successful gin distillery in Westown.
decided to organise a mystery day trip. It An interesting visit because not only were the
didn’t take long to draw a crowd and all seats owners full of knowledge but we enjoyed free
in the van were quickly booked. We started off samples! The business, launched by husband-
at 9.30am, heading towards New Plymouth, and-wife duo Jo and Dave James, started out
but fooled the residents by going up Egmont in a back shed and they now plan to expand
Rd and around the block behind the Mega the business and the premises. Stocked up
Valley, then back up the hill towards the New on gin, we headed towards Burgess Park
Plymouth Golf Club - our first stop. Café, overlooking the river, for lunch. We had
Everyone had a great time chatting over a beautiful meal appreciating the incredible
morning tea at the golf course - the views are views before it was time to return home to
amazing. Then we made our way to BeGin MiLife on Wills.
MiLife MiLife MiLife MiLife
Rosewood Park Kelvin Grove Bell Vista on Wills
4
Villages
250
Happy
Residents
14Years of
Operation
12 YOUR KIND OF LIFE | w w w. m i l i f e . c o . n z
J U LY 2 0 2 1You can also read
