RETIREMENT LIVING

ELEMENTS Retirement Living director Chiou See Anderson is taking a stand against Covid and contractors who are unable to provide proof of having had at least one vaccination will not be able to deliver services.

This month, the vaccination will be mandatory for residential aged care workers who want to continue to work, but those rules do not apply to those working in retirement villages.

“Now, more than ever, we need to act for the greater good of the community and for those of us who operate in the retirement industry, it is doubly important,” she said.

“We owe a duty of care to our residents and staff and while it is not mandatory for workers at retirement villages to have received the Covid vaccine, it is the least we can do to ensure our residents are protected.”

Ms Anderson is calling on other retirement villages to follow the lead as while mandatory vaccines may not extend to communities such as their, it doesn’t mean residents are any less vulnerable.

Elements staff volunteered to A PRIVATE conservation sanctuary has opened at over-50s lifestyle development Greenwood, Forest Glen.

Making it easy for residents to connect with nature, and the intrinsic health benefits that come with it, has been an essential ingredient of the development’s overall activelifestyle and wellness focus.

Described by Greenwood’s community manager John Warner as “our own enchanted forest”, the 5ha natural bushland sanctuary features an extensive trail network through the reserve.

The easy-to-navigate bushland trails have extensive interpretive signage highlighting key botanical and historical features.

A series of rest spots are positioned at key sections along the trail for residents and guests

Elements residents Clover and Ian Smythe with contractor Marc Melville, who was happy to be vaccinated. become fully vaccinated as soon as they could, and the majority of our residents have as well.

“The only way we as an industry can beat this, and protect our residents, is to do everything we can to encourage those working and visiting our villages to be vaccinated,” she said. “Inevitably it appears we will need to have booster shots for Covid and I believe that health authorities should consider a program of delivering vaccines in retirement villages as they have in aged care homes.”

Ms Anderson said she would encourage all retirement villages to implement a “no jab, no work policy” to ensure the ongoing safety of staff and residents within the community. Visit elementsliving.com.au

DOWNSIZERS UPSIZE LIFESTYLE

THE one undeniable fact about downsizing is that it almost always involves discarding some household possessions.

Rather than viewing this as a loss, it can be seen as a gain –financially and emotionally.

Make the most of Spring and start decluttering the family home. Many downsizers find the whole process to be therapeutic, with the sense of rejuvenation and renewal that comes with saying farewell to the old lifestyle and welcoming a new one.

To learn more about the benefits of downsizing, Ingenia Lifestyle is this month running a range of events to help understand downsizing options.

Attend a decluttering seminar, learn about the benefits of lifestyle living or visit one of the Ingenia Lifestyle display villages to see home designs and community facilities. Call 1800 135 010 or visit ingenialifestyle.com.au/events to sit, relax and enjoy the bushland serenity.

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of native flora and fauna, including the local forest giants, the flooded gum and stringybark.

A spectacular palm grove lining the creek line is another popular feature.

Residents of the Greenwood, Forest Glen community are invited and encouraged to take an active role in the protection of the sanctuary and its enhancement.

The development’s green credentials are also bolstered by extensive common garden facilities, including easy-toaccess beds for vegetables and herbs, a large orchard, and greenhouse and propagation facilities, available for use by all residents.

Stage three of Greenwood, Forest Glen is now selling. Visit GreenwoodForestGlen.com.au

RESIDENTS KEEP ACTIVE WITH WATER-BASED EXERCISE

RESIDENTS of Compton Gardens Retirement Community in Aspley have been enjoying the benefits of weekly aqua aerobics classes for years.

The classes are taken by qualified aqua aerobics instructor Donna Farrell, and are held every Friday morning between September and April. They are tailored to fitness levels and capabilities.

Classes are in the village’s heated pool, which has been fully refurbished ready for summer. It is easily accessible with steps and a handrail, as well as a shallow end to suit everyone’s needs.

Mrs Farrell said residents could be confident of achieving more in a heated pool without the risk of injury.

“The combination of water and heat provides more flexibility and much less pressure on the joints,” she said. “I have also recently introduced a session on falls prevention which involves residents stepping over imaginary logs, lifting their legs and feet, all the while they keep moving.”

Aqua aerobics is a popular form of exercise for over 60s because of its low impact. Benefits include cardio fitness, lower blood pressure, weight control and balance.

“But most importantly, it’s fun,” Mrs Farrell said. “There is a lot of talking and laughing during the classes, which is just as important as the physical benefits.”

Not one to sit still, Mrs Farrell also teaches a weekly “active aged” class at the village, which involves weights and balance training and a seated exercise class for less mobile residents. Visit tricare.com.au or call 3263 2788.

YOU ARE INVITED

RSVP now to our online Seeing Eye Dogs puppy caring Q&A session.

Join us online and meet our local team members, puppy development trainer Tracey and instructor Brendan, who will be available to chat about all things puppy caring and answer any questions you may have. We have 30 pups needing homes by October 30. Seeing Eye Dogs are currently accepting applications in the Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane. We would love to meet you.

Online session via Zoom:

Date: Wednesday October 6, 2021 Time: 10.00am - 10.30am

“We have really enjoyed the program and to be honest it has had some unexpected benefi ts - going out with our puppy every day is really good exercise. I’ve been losing weight!” Bruce talking about his Seeing Eye Dogs puppy-in-training Misty