Welcome Home: The Power of Words

I recently visited a retirement village, and the first sign I encountered after the front gate read, “Welcome Home.”

Now, this wasn’t part of a site map or a directional sign, but a simple message that conveyed a profound sense of belonging.

I was just a guest, yet this message struck me and has had me thinking since about the immense power of words.

Words shape our expectations and experiences. They influence our emotions and create lasting memories.

The phrase “Welcome Home” embodies all of this. It is more than just a greeting; it’s a warm embrace the moment you arrive. An assurance that you belong, and a reminder that you are valued.

I have had the pleasure of visiting hundreds of retirement villages over the years. Many have had similar signs, similar messages. On this day though, ‘Welcome Home’ seemed right.

At our last Professional Development Day, one of the Retirement Village Professionals at our Melbourne workshop spoke about ‘the mum test’. Imagine mum returning from an errand or a walk and being greeted by those words every time.

It would fill you with a sense of comfort and security as a son or daughter. For the residents themselves, those two words are a daily affirmation that they made the right decision and are part of a community that cares for them.

Every day we have opportunities to use words to make others feel seen, appreciated, and respected. Whether it’s a kind greeting, a heartfelt thank you, or a simple compliment, we can have a meaningful impact on someone’s day. This is why we talk about this sector being ‘for purpose.’

In this instance, words reflect our purpose. To be welcoming. To be someone’s home.

The importance of words cannot be overstated.