Spoilt for choice in stylish surrounds
Morgan Glen Iris’ approach caters to those wanting retirement living with a helping hand.
A luxurious assisted-living community facilitates independence while presenting retirees with a generous range of hospitality, domestic and lifestyle services.
A welcoming community is expected in seniors’ living, but Morgan Glen Iris goes one step further by focusing on individual tailored support.
“Our needs are as individual as we are,” says village manager Roy Hammond-Thomas. “Our whole approach behind providing support is to help our residents maintain their independence, and to have choice over the kind of support that they receive.”
Morgan Glen Iris offers a holistic approach for those wanting retirement living with a helping hand. Through their bronze, silver and gold packages, the assisted-living community provides a range of hospitality, domestic and lifestyle services.
“Most of our residents are still fit and healthy, however they are accepting that they’re ageing,” says sales manager Pip Walker. “At Morgan Glen Iris, you can start with a small amount of support, but then you can build on that as required,” she adds.
Assistance with showering and dressing, laundry and apartment cleaning are key services, though Hammond-Thomas says their staff can attend to most requests. “There may be residents who want home maintenance support, whether that’s hanging picture frames or putting together new furniture. They might need help with accommodating for some guests who are coming around for a dinner party.
“I think it’s pretty reflective of what we would all anticipate our experience of getting older to be. Let’s get rid of the bits that we don’t have the inclination to do any more and focus on what we do want to do with our lives.”
There are 62 one- and two-bedroom apartments projected for completion in early July, housed in a contemporary building with 24/7 concierge and plenty of shared spaces.
“The hair salon will be a hit for sure,” says Walker. “There’s an area for a massage therapist and nail technician to come in. The downstairs restaurant, lounge and bar area is absolutely stunning. I can picture it in winter with the gas fire going, the baby grand piano playing and creating a beautiful ambience, all while you look out to Back Creek Reserve.”
Other spaces include the self-serve cafe, library, private dining room, art and craft studio, billiards area, cinema, winter garden, gymnasium, and consultation rooms for health specialists.
As for the lifestyle aspect, Hammond-Thomas leads a range of activities to keep residents physically and mentally energised.
“We think that there’s great value in finding innovative ways of interacting with our residents and providing them with experiences that are unique.”
A special wine tasting and decanting day is one example, as well as matinee premium cinema experiences, and art classes hosted by well-known artists from across Melbourne. Fitness classes, walking groups, a dining and wine club, gardening and book clubs, and outings to local beaches, shops and markets are also included.
“We work hard to ensure that each activity and program we run is another opportunity to build and strengthen connections and friendships within our community,” he says. “We are here to help grow your independence by giving you lots of choice around the support you receive and ensure that dignity is part of that process.” People considering retirement community living should seek professional, independent financial and legal advice.
Sunday Age, 23 May 2021
