Once, the very mention of retirement homes quickly conjured up visions of seniors with rugs on their knees listening to a visiting school choir while the smell of boiled cabbage hung in the air.
These days that couldn’t be further from the truth, and Metlifecare leads the way in new-age retirement living with its ultra-modern establishments where amenities are plentiful, and a holiday resort vibe pervades.
Metlifecare's Gulf Rise on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland, is one of the company’s 26 villages - an award-winning property with a strong sense ofcommunity based around a bustling village centre.
The village masterplan was designed by Warren and Mahoney, whose brief was to create a place with a logical layout of streets and lanes and a social pavilion built around a bird, butterfly and bee sanctuary, as well as smart stylish homes for today’s more sophisticated retirees, who believe that age is only a number.
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The first stage has been completed, while work is underway on stage two, which will include a swimming pool and spa, bars and lounges, a library, a creative hub, art studio and hairdressing salon.
Gerontologists, who study the physical, mental and social aspects of aging, have established that it’s incredibly important for older people to retain their independence after a life spent working, bringing up families and being in control of their own lives and destinies.
Accordingly, today’s contemporary retirement villages are essentially not rest homes, although many of Metlifecare's villages do have care homes on-site.
Today’s seniors want to live in a home of their own for as long as possible and the Metlifecare model provides a supportive environment and an array of choices allowing seamless and dignified transitions, as residents age and their needs change.
Mobility issues and health concerns can see a shift in requirements, as does the death or hospitalisation of a partner. Loneliness and isolation can also be a problem for seniors but it’s unlikely to be an issue in modern villages where wrap-around care is intrinsic.
Metlifecare’s philosophy involves encouraging residents to expand their lives, make new friends and develop a true sense of belonging and connection within the community.
Residents’ happiness is the development’s cornerstone and opportunities galore include gardening, art classes, bowling, petanque, yoga and tai chi classes.
Landscaping at Gulf Rise has been carefully designed to enhance residents’ enjoyment.
“Senior living communities used to have formal hedges and structured flower beds, and a vibe that was very much ‘look-but-don’t touch’. Now, outdoor spaces are treated as community assets — they’re there to be used, and residents are encouraged to be involved,” says Peter Whiting – landscape architect.
Staff at Gulf Rise are highly-trained in order to best meet residents’ needs and provide the best of care in a safe and secure environment. They focus on residents’ physical and social wellness, as well as their spiritual and emotional wellness.
At Gulf Rise the existing housing includes two-bedroom villas, some of which also have studies. High ceilings let light flood in, and the décor is fresh and airy. Each villa has its own landscaped patio area plus a garage and a car park.
Meanwhile, Gulf Rise apartments come in one, two, and three-bedroom formats, all constructed to the same high standards using sustainable materials, sourced locally, where possible and all the fixtures, fittings and furnishings are the best available.
“There is nothing cookie cutter here. This village is completely bespoke and uniquely designed for the residents who live here. They decide how the spaces will be used and can view the amenities as an extension of their homes,” says Metlifecare’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, David Martin.
