Joining a new retirement community is a big step, and how well you transition makes all the difference to your well-being. In addition to the logistics of moving to a new home, there’s the worry of finding your place in a brand new community where you might not know anyone.
People who live in supportive environments have a better sense of purpose and independence, and they function better both cognitively and physically. Because of this, at Settlers Lifestyle Village (Settlers) we place a high priority on support. Support services like housekeeping, meals, and transport are a given – but it’s our supportive community that sets us apart and makes support one of our defining characteristics.
A number of initiatives have been put in place within our villages to encourage connection and ensure that each resident feels supported and part of our community.
Support for Men
Men who are older are increasingly challenged by loneliness and isolation (Beach & Bamford, 2014). Blokes can find it harder to make friends and get themselves out there. Settlers’ residents understand that men may have a harder time adjusting to village life, so they often go out of their way to reach out to new members and offer support.
There are plenty of events and activities in the village for men to get involved with, and we have a strong culture of men forming fast friendships and having each other’s back. A great example of men coming together is through our blokes’ shed. Alongside the team at Menz Shed New Zealand, we provide a purpose-built workshop with gifted craftsmen on hand to help with building, crafting, and tinkering.
The blokes’ shed provides a great opportunity for men to share their skills, have a laugh, and work together on projects they enjoy. But of course, the sheds aren’t just for men, women are most welcome to use them too!
Many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come, but are glad they did.”
Support for Women
The bond of sisterhood transcends genetics, culture, and age. At Settlers, this bond continues to thrive. Women here go out of their way to support each other through regular check-ins, shared walks, coffee dates, or a glass of wine or two. There are also many opportunities available throughout the village to strengthen these bonds – whether it’s joining one of the many social activities happening throughout the week, or having a regular get-together at our convenient onsite salon (which is open to men as well!). We also host a monthly ladies’ happy hour. This informal gathering draws around 50 women at any given time, making it a great place to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
“You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There’s so much to do.”
Emotional Support
At Settlers, we believe providing emotional care is just as important as providing medical care. Our team of compassionate nurses truly care about the wellbeing of our residents, and take the time to listen and support them through life’s challenges. Whether it’s a quick check-in during a shift or a longer conversation during a tough time, our nurses are there to support all of our residents and ensure they’re living their best lives.
“Knowing that help is readily available is very reassuring. Nurses are on-site 24/7, so if assistance is needed just call them or pop on down to see them”.
Support for Newcomers
Feeling welcome in a new neighbourhood is extremely important, which is why the Settlers welcoming committee has been a tradition since the village began. In order to get to know new residents and ensure they’re settling in well, locals get together to organise catch-ups with them to make sure they feel at home. As a result of the welcoming committee, new residents quickly become part of the community and build friendships and a strong support system that enhances their quality of life.
“My job at the beginning was to welcome everyone to the village, so I would go in and sit with them and it was fun. We gave them a glass of wine, and we often staged it for late in the afternoon because that was a good time when people were relaxing more. We made a lot of friends.”
Support from your Neighbours
At Settlers, we bring back the good old days when you knew your neighbours by name and felt comfortable popping over for a chat.
In today’s suburbs, many retirees experience a sense of isolation, and as you get older this feeling can be overwhelming. In contrast, our residents look out for their neighbours and have built a real community here. At Settlers, good neighbours become good friends, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of comfort and security that’s rare to find these days.
We often hear residents talk about the joy of knowing who lives next door. Waving hello to a familiar face or stopping for a chat brings a sense of comfort that’s hard to find elsewhere. This sense of community helps everyone here feel at ease and supported.
“If we walked out to go to Milford no one would talk to you, it’s very rare that someone would talk to you, but here, every other person stops to chat to you. It’s just so different. When I was coming down here there was someone driving down in their car wanting to chat – there is always someone about that you can talk to. It just seems so different”.
Residents of a thriving community actively support and assist each other – and that’s exactly what you get at Settlers Lifestyle Village. Whether it’s lending a cup of sugar or lending a shoulder to cry on, the support network here is second to none, and the sense of closeness and belonging is what makes this such a special place to live.
“We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.”
