A happy transition

By Forest Lake Gardens Resident Transition Manager Pippa Bennett

Ensuring new residents feel welcome and settled is an important part of Metlifecare’s Resident Transition Service, which aims to make the move in process as stress-free as possible for residents and their families.

 

Moving from a home that you’ve known for years into a retirement village can be a daunting experience. Maybe you brought up your family at home, maybe it was the last place you saw a loved one, or maybe you were close friends with your neighbours. Downsizing belongings and changing furniture to fit into a new apartment or villa can also be an unsettling thought.

 

Even after deciding to move into a village, actually making the move is a different matter.

 

That’s where I come along. As a Resident Transition Manager, I become that friend; I’m there to answer any questions from planting rose bushes to internet access, I keep in touch by phone and face to face, ensuring a familiar voice of reassurance to help ease the stresses of moving in.

 

On move in day, the new resident will meet me at reception where our staff will welcome them to the village. I then take them to their villa or apartment and gesture to them to open the front door, while I say, “welcome home!”

 

The expression on their face when the door opens, and they take that first look inside their new home, is priceless. Especially as they notice the gifts and name badges ready and waiting for them.

 

When the moving van arrives, the unloading starts. Later, I revisit to make sure the move is going smoothly and answer any questions the new resident has. I return with some lunch for them and any family members helping with the move. This is always well received by everyone, who by then need a well-earned break!

 

It’s lovely to hear these residents when they introduce their family to me and say how nice and welcoming everyone has been to them, and how they have made the best decision to move here.

 

That’s the best part, the warm and fuzzy feeling of my role right there.

 

 

Did you know? Pippa is also the Forest Lake Gardens social coordinator and organises fantastic village events such as the Wellness and Market Day Expo, which over 180 residents and friends attended this year.