Dorothy, 86 has been in Goodwin Village for just over a year and for her, there is no looking back.
Initially, all the residents in Dorothy’s Bondi Beach eight-unit block knew each other and were always able lend a hand in times of need. This community
atmosphere started to dissolve as residents became more transient (including 2 units being given over to Airbnb) and Dorothy lost that sense of connectedness
which she had experienced for decades.
Dorothy also has emphysema. When she had her home assessed, the health worker identified that the stairs were not conducive for her condition and that the bathroom would become problematic.
Julie, Dorothy’s daughter, soon found herself at an open day at Goodwin Village.
“Mum was approved for a Level 1 Home Care Package and my sister and I started talking about living options for her,” Julie explains.
“Initially, a retirement village wasn’t on our radar but that changed when I looked at Goodwin Village. We were considering an apartment in Bondi Junction, but after the open day at Woollahra, Goodwin seemed to be a good fit.”
Property law and planning is Julie’s profession, and she did lots of research into private and not-for profit retirement villages for her mother in law’s transition a few years earlier.
“I have looked at dozens of contracts for retirement villages in that capacity and have also visited many retirement villages both in Sydney and the Central Coast,” explains Julie.
“I felt that the retirement village contracts that I looked at for the privately operated, profit based retirement villages were very one-sided and never felt very comfortable with them. I always felt more comfortable with the not-for-profit retirement villages.”
“Anglicare was the only place that we looked at for mum. Financially, it had the best contractual agreements -very fair and reasonable. And Anglicare is a caring organisation”.
The location is perfect for Dorothy. Coffee shops, transport and shops are easily accessible. Julie resides in a neighbouring suburb and says her mum living at Goodwin Village has improved their relationship as they get to see much more of each other.
“The location is hard to beat. The village is walking distance to the bus route into the City, Bondi Junction and Edgecliff train station. It is also walking distance to the Woollahra shops which are truly amazing”, said Julie.
“All of the attractions of the eastern suburbs are close by and a taxi to these attractions should you not drive or want to get the bus, will not break the bank. There is also a lovely coffee shop virtually over the road and the Lord Dudley Hotel for a meal almost next door”.
Pastoral care services offered at Goodwin Village has been an added bonus in which Dorothy has been really comfortable accessing.
“You may or may not be Anglican, you may or may not be a practicing Christian, or practice any faith at all. But the pastoral care is there should you wish to avail yourself of it and the fact that Anglicare is backed by the Anglican Church rather than a profit-driven corporation is important I believe.”
It seems Anglicare has more than met Dorothy and Julie’s needs. From the design aspect, onsite staff and the apartments, Goodwin was a clear winner.
“The design of the common areas is fabulous. The high ceilings of the Terrace Lounge and Garden room common areas are very special. The view is something else and there are lots of spaces to have gatherings. The spaces are appropriately designed and purpose-built for people with mobility issues with its level access, ramps and lifts”.
“Security and community are always things you worry about with an elderly relative,” Julie continues.
“Now, there are lots of people to support her all the time, from the nurses to the receptionist to the handyman. I know that there will always be someone
to sort out her problem.”
The advantages for Julie of having her mum move to an Anglicare village are numerous. Apart from its convenient location, the social gatherings, various activities on offer, as well as the units provide an enriching and enjoyable experience.
“There is a wide variety of unit types and they are well-designed”, explains Julie. An added plus for Dorothy is her balcony, a feature she never had in her thirty years of living at Bondi.
“The one-bedroom unit for mum does have a lovely balcony that extends the space both visually and practically”.
The ease and fairness of the financial contract and the welcoming and supportive staff surpassed expectations.
“The loan amount is very reasonable, as well as the weekly charges and deferred management fees compared to profit run retirement villages. Best of all for mum, there will be no special levies. Also, the sale of her previous unit freed up cash for her to enjoy herself more. The fact that it is Anglicare gave us peace of mind that it was a loan arrangement,” explains Julie.
The flexible pricing options available and mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units offered at Goodwin Village means there is something for everyone.
“I would certainly recommend Anglicare Goodwin Village to anyone who is considering downsizing to the area based on mum’s experience” Julie adds.
Book a private tour of Goodwin Village and the facilities. Modern studio, 1 and 2-bedroom units available from $318,000 (conditions apply). Call 1300 111 278 or visit www.anglicare.org.au/goodwin
Ask about our flexible pricing options to suit your family’s budget requirements. For a limited time, we are also contributing up to $500 towards decluttering services (conditions apply).
