What makes a retirement community feel like home? Comfortable accommodation and quality care certainly matter, but so do laughter, friendship and having something enjoyable to look forward to.
At The Village Retirement Home in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, daily life is shaped by the people who live there. Residents are encouraged to remain active, pursue their interests and take part in a community where their personalities, talents and life stories continue to be celebrated.
Hearing it from the residents themselves
Brochures and photographs can introduce you to a retirement community, but residents often provide the most meaningful insight into what it is really like to live there.
The Village shares video testimonials from residents such as Glenda Tuddeham and Mrs Andrews. Hearing from residents in their own voices offers prospective residents and their families a more personal glimpse of the people, relationships and everyday experiences behind the facilities.
These testimonials also reinforce an important point: moving into a retirement home does not mean losing your identity or becoming defined by your age. Every resident arrives with a lifetime of memories, interests, skills and stories. A good retirement community makes space for these to be shared.
Activities with a purpose
An activity programme should offer more than a way to fill the hours. The most meaningful activities support physical movement, mental stimulation, creativity and social connection.
At The Village, engagement programmes are shaped around residents’ interests, ideas and abilities rather than relying on one standard programme for everyone. Activities focus on several aspects of wellbeing, including physical, creative, social, spiritual and community life. The Village describes its approach as one that promotes independence while helping residents remain involved and connected.
That might mean joining an exercise session, learning a new craft, listening to live music or simply spending time with friends over a shared experience.
Gentle movement that includes everyone
One of the newer additions to The Village is seated Tai Chi, an adapted form of the traditional practice that enables residents with different levels of mobility to participate.
The slow, flowing movements are performed while seated and can support posture, circulation, muscle strength and relaxation. Sessions are guided and adapted to the needs of the group, making them accessible to residents who may not be comfortable with standing exercise.
Just as importantly, the sessions bring residents together. Smiles, laughter and gentle music turn exercise into a shared occasion rather than a solitary task. It is a lovely reminder that staying active does not have to mean doing something strenuous. Movement can be gentle, social and enjoyable.
Creativity, conversation and plenty of colour
Arts and crafts provide another outlet for residents to express themselves, try something different and enjoy working alongside others.
The Village Craft Group continues to bring creativity, companionship and a wonderful sense of achievement to our residents. In April, our craft ladies created adorable Easter Chicks, which we used to decorate our dining room tables. This project inspired one resident to make many more chicks privately, which she then sold to family and friends. She generously donated the proceeds towards purchasing wool for further craft projects!
Our crafters also helped to make the Chinese lanterns used during our Armchair Travel to China event. With small battery-operated candles, the lanterns created a wonderful ambiance and added a special touch to the occasion.
The creativity and enthusiasm of our craft ladies continue to inspire us, and we look forward to seeing what wonderful projects they come up with next!”
The finished creation is only part of the pleasure. Choosing colours, learning a technique and chatting around the table can encourage concentration, dexterity and confidence while giving residents a relaxed opportunity to connect.
Four-legged visitors spread the love
Few visitors can brighten a room quite like a four-legged friend. The Village has welcomed trained therapy dogs from Angel Paws, accompanied by their volunteer handlers, to spend time with residents. These visits offer opportunities to stroke, groom, feed and play with the dogs, often sparking smiles, conversation and fond memories of much-loved family pets. Beyond the sheer pleasure of their company, interacting with animals can provide comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness and support emotional wellbeing. For residents, a wagging tail and a gentle nuzzle can turn an ordinary day into a very special one. Read more about the therapy-dog visits.
Music, celebrations and armchair adventures
Life at The Village includes plenty of reasons to gather.
Residents have enjoyed a live performance by Chris Coetzer, one of the Three South African Tenors, as well as themed celebrations with special treats prepared by the catering team.
Armchair travel brings another kind of adventure. During a recent imaginary journey to China, residents explored the country’s history, traditions, landscapes and famous sights without needing a passport. Fortune cookies and small keepsakes added to the fun.
Seasonal occasions, birthdays and commemorative days are also recognised. These may appear to be small moments, but they create rhythm in the calendar and encourage residents, staff and families to celebrate together.
The comfort of belonging
The real value of activities is not measured by the number listed on a calendar. It is found in the resident who discovers a hidden creative talent, the person who joins an exercise session despite limited mobility, or the newcomer who begins building friendships over a cup of tea.
Staying socially and mentally engaged can bring structure, purpose and pleasure to everyday life. It also helps ensure that residents remain visible and valued as individuals.
This is what makes a retirement community more than an address. At The Village, care and comfort provide the foundation, but it is the shared experiences, friendships and everyday moments that help turn a place to live into a place to belong.
Article sponsored by The Village Retirement Home, Durban
Featured image created with the assistance of AI.
