There’s something special about the Iacono family’s story at Deborah Cheetham Village — not just that they live there, but that they’ve been able to stay together, each supported in their own way.
Rae, her husband John, and their son Tony are all part of the same village community, living across different levels of care — independent living, serviced apartment living, and dementia care — all within a short walk of each other.
It’s a setup that has brought the family closer again, at a time when they needed it most.
For Rae, the decision to move came after a period of growing challenges at home.
“We realised that we were in a pretty fragile state,” she said.
“With John in the nursing home, Tony having falls, and me living by myself… it was time.”
With their daughter and grandchildren already in Ocean Grove, relocating made sense from a family perspective. But finding somewhere that could support all three of them was just as important.
Rae began looking into options and quickly realised that only Ryman could offer what they needed.
“It had everything we needed,” Rae said.
“A serviced apartment for Tony, special care for John, and a villa for me — so we could all be together, just metres apart.”
For Tony, the move has brought both reassurance and a renewed sense of independence — something that matters deeply to him.
“One of the good things is the security — you know you’re going to be safe,” he said.
After experiencing falls and mobility challenges, having support close by has made everyday life more manageable, without taking away his freedom.
“I like having that independence of doing my own thing,” he said.
“I would have struggled big time at home. The staff are brilliant.”
For Rae, knowing both Tony and John are being cared for within the same village has brought a deep sense of relief.
“Oh my God, yes — a lot of stress has been relieved,” she said.
“I’m confident they’re being taken care of… that their needs are being met.”
John now lives in the care centre, just a short walk away — something that continues to mean a great deal to the family.
“It’s just fantastic. In a way, it’s just like being at home… because this is now our home,” Rae said.
That sense of home is reflected in the small, everyday moments they’re still able to share — whether it’s heading to the café together or welcoming visits from grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“They’re the little things,” Rae said.
Across the village, it’s not just the practical support that stands out — it’s the people.
“Everyone smiles… you don’t feel like you’re anonymous,” she said.
“They seem to anticipate things — if I need help, someone is always there.”
For the Iacono family, the move hasn’t just been about finding care — it’s been about staying connected, with the right support at every stage.
“I have absolutely no regrets,” Rae said.
“It’s worked really well for us.”