For Joy, the decision to move into aged care wasn’t an easy one, but when the time came, Deborah Cheetham Village turned out to be the perfect place to call home. 

Her transition to the village began with a two-week respite stay, which left a lasting impression.  

"I had two weeks’ respite care in May, and I really liked it, but I wasn’t ready to make the move just yet. Then it got too much for me at home, and I decided I wanted to go back to the village.” 

When she finally made the move, everything felt right.

"Everything was perfect.” Joy smiles.  

Closer to family 

One of the biggest reasons Joy chose Deborah Cheetham Village was its location in Ocean Grove.

"Oh, that’s an amazing reason why I came back here to Ocean Grove. Of my four children, there was no one close when I was living in Melbourne. Now, Alison (daughter) is just around the corner, and my son is in Torquay," says Joy.  

Having loved ones nearby has made all the difference, allowing for more visits, outings, and peace of mind.

A community of friends 

Moving into aged care doesn’t mean losing social connections - in fact, for Joy, it meant gaining new ones. 

"Janet, who is in the room opposite to me, we just get on so well together. We do just about everything together! We walk in the garden, go down to the café, have cake and coffee. It’s lovely," Joy says.  

The strong sense of community is evident in the relationships formed, not just among residents but also with staff. 

"The staff are all very caring. There are people around who really care, having 24-hour nursing care is perfect," She says. 

Before moving to the village, managing medical appointments was a challenge.

"It was hard for me to get to doctors when I was at home, and I had to rely on other people to help me because I couldn’t drive anymore. Now, everything is taken care of." 

An active lifestyle 

There’s never a dull moment in the village, with a variety of activities to keep residents engaged.

"There are so many activities! Exercise classes five times a week, church services on Sundays, and we even have a cinema in the TV room. This afternoon we’re having Happy Hour with an entertainer. Happy Hour is always a favourite!” 

She also loves keeping up with the activities happening around the village.

"I looked out my window this morning and saw two gardeners hard at work. That occupied a few minutes of my morning, just watching them care for the garden."

Peace of mind  

For Joy’s daughter, Alison, finding the right place for her mum was a top priority.

"There are quite a few aged care facilities in Ocean Grove, but when I spoke to a resident who lived here, she said, ‘I would have been lost without this place.’ That sold me on it," Alison said.  

Being close to Joy has provided Alison with reassurance and ease.

"Knowing Mum was just two minutes up the road made such a difference. I can take her out and go for drives. When she was in Melbourne, we were two hours away, and it was so stressful. This was a no-brainer." 

The environment at Ryman was another major factor in Alison’s decision.

"The openness of Ryman is what sets it apart. Mum isn’t just contained in one facility — she can walk around the gardens, watch people play bowls, visit friends in villas. It’s a different way of doing aged care, and they (Ryman) do it really well." 

A friend in the industry also affirmed her choice.

"One of my friends, who has worked in aged care for years, told me, ‘This is the five-star, top-notch place. Gold star.’"

Exceptional care and communication 

The level of care at Ryman has exceeded Alison’s expectations.

"I get regular updates from the nurses. If the doctor visits Mum, they call me, even at 6:30 at night, to keep me informed. That’s amazing." 

She has also been impressed by the dedication of the staff.

"The carers are onto things straight away. They really care for all the residents. I just can’t fault them. And It’s great to see that the staff are happy to be there. You hear a lot of bad stories about aged care, but I don’t get that feeling at all here. It’s a really good community.

"The minute I walked into Ryman, I thought, ‘This is not aged care as I know it.’" 

A place to call home 

For Joy, Deborah Cheetham Village has been more than just a place to live — it has been a place to thrive. With caring staff, a strong sense of community, and plenty of activities, it has provided the perfect mix of support and independence. 

Whether it’s sharing a coffee with a friend, enjoying Happy Hour, or simply watching the gardeners at work, Joy has found happiness in her new home. For Alison, the peace of mind that comes with knowing her mum is well cared for is priceless. 

Considering aged care or respite for yourself or a loved one?
Learn more about Deborah Cheetham Village and discover how Ryman’s personalised care and welcoming community can make all the difference.