What if supporting people living with dementia started long before they entered a care setting?
66% of Australians living with dementia live in the community. That means dementia is already part of village life. The question is: Are we creating environments that enable people to keep living well, or unintentionally making things harder?
A Village Professional told me they were concerned residents would automatically endorse the cheapest quote for an essential services contract. The lowest price can be appealing, but it does not always deliver the best outcome for the village.
From resident incidents to complaints, conflict and difficult decisions, taking time to debrief can turn everyday experience into better leadership and better practice.
Before RetireAustralia’s newest community could grow, the Village Managers was tasked with assembling the team that would shape it, and create a culture where everyone takes responsibility for residents.
A busy activity calendar can hide a difficult truth: residents may still feel lonely. We ask how village professionals can create genuine belonging.
Care conversations shouldn’t begin in a crisis. By raising the subject before a resident moves in, villages can set clear expectations and support genuine ageing in place.
The biggest winter risk isn’t always the cold. It’s disconnection. We share the small observations and simple actions that help residents stay connected, healthy and supported through the colder months.
Village professionals aren’t investigators. But when you know your residents, noticing a subtle change in behaviour, confidence or wellbeing can sometimes be the first step towards meaningful support.
Think about the last time you felt genuinely heard at work. Chances are, it built trust quickly. It made you more open. More willing to share. That’s the power of listening and it’s one of the most underused leadership skills.
More than 2,000 retirement village residents have already shared their Support at Home experiences. With wait times now averaging 12 months, more are invited to participate.
Village Professionals from across Canberra came together for honest conversations on ageing, resident wellbeing, and compassionate leadership.