“I love the residents,” says Kylie, Village Manager at Awatere by Oceania in Hamilton. “I love being able to make a difference in their lives…It’s a pleasure to come to work here.”
That sense of purpose and pride runs through everything Kylie does. With her at the helm, Awatere feels more like a family.
It’s a privilege that they actually allow me into their home,” she reflects.
From weddings to anniversaries, Kylie has shared in some of the most personal moments in residents' lives. “We’ve even had a wedding here,” she says. “We become part of the extended family to a certain extent.”
For those who haven’t yet stepped inside, she acknowledges that the village can seem unassuming at first. “We just look like a block of buildings,” Kylie says. “But once people come through the doors and see the laughter, the smiles, the staff having a laugh - it’s a nice environment. We make people feel welcome. We want them to join our family.”
The team at Awatere may be small, but they’re united by a shared commitment to care.
We’re here because we actually care about what we do,” she explains. “It’s not just a job for any of us - from housekeeping to admin, sales to the café - we all work as one.”
Kylie encourages people to consider the move sooner rather than later.
“If people choose to come into a retirement village earlier, they get more benefit,” she says. “They can make friends more easily and get involved in the activities. They’re finding people in a like-minded environment.”
Her advice for anyone considering village life?
“Come and spend some time here,” Kylie suggests. “Attend a morning tea, a social hour, join an activity. And most importantly, talk to the residents. They are our best advocates.”
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