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Hear from our residents

Everyone has a unique story. On this page, you’ll find stories shared by our residents about life at VMCH.
 

“I came to Shanagolden and found a true friend in Geraldine.”

Elaine, Shanagolden Retirement Village
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Elaine and Geraldine at Shanagolden

Elaine and Geraldine quickly became friends after they moved to VMCH’s Shanagolden Retirement Village, in Pakenham.

They recently returned from a cruise around Europe together. Life changes in many ways when you retire. One thing that remains the same is the importance of friendship and remaining socially active.

“I came to Shanagolden in January, 2015, and have found a true friend in Geraldine. We met at morning tea one Tuesday and, after my husband John died, we started doing water aerobics together,” Elaine said. “It was in the pool, over exercise, that the topic of bucket lists came up and we started talking about doing a river cruise in Europe together.” Geraldine says the trip was incredible and even more fun because she was able to share it with a friend.

“Elaine is hilarious, she really is. We laugh and laugh and just bounce off each other all the time. The trip brought us closer together,” she said. “Everyone always asks what the highlight was, but I can’t answer that because the whole trip was incredible. I loved the villages along the Rhine and the Danube, and Paris was also really special.”
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Gerry, Star of the Sea, Torquay

It’s just before 7am and the only sounds that can be heard are the waves crashing, a light wind, and the occasional seagull.

This is Gerry's backyard. It is the iconic and beautiful Torquay back beach and it is only a short stroll from his home at VMCH’s Star of the Sea retirement village.
“When you sit there early in the morning looking at the surf, you wonder why is it that we’re the only people here? It’s really a surprise because it is a lovely place.” Gerry bodysurfs here with a small group of friends early most mornings—summer, autumn, winter and spring.

This meant Gerry could continue enjoying his passion for bodysurfing; something he has done since he was six-years-old. At 79, bodysurfing is still a passion and he has no plans to give up any time soon. He describes it as a great way to stay healthy and active. “It’s essential for me. The surf is a lovely and free way to exercise. It’s different every time. That’s what I like about it,” he said.

There are also lots of health benefits linked to swimming in the ocean, especially in the colder weather. Studies have shown that cold water helps boost people’s immune system, it helps people recover from strenuous exercise, sea water is good for the skin, and people’s mental health. Gerry certainly agrees and says he feels fresh and invigorated by his mornings in the surf.
A couple holding their small dog

A new chapter for Claire and John

Claire and John look forward to moving to St. Clare with their dog Missy

Like all early purchasers, the couple has played an active role in shaping the precinct’s development. With construction almost complete and moving day approaching, they are more than ready to call St. Clare home. 

“It’s been really surprising how we all (future residents) seem to just know each other and you can have wonderful conversations. I think it’s going to be a good time here,” Claire says. 

John looks forward to taking Missy to the dog park, utilising the pool and gym to stay active, and hosting family events in the private dining room.  

For Claire, move in day cannot come quickly enough. “I’m just so excited I’m nearly jumping out of my skin! Every time we come back, we see something new – it’s just amazing how quickly it seems to be coming together.” 

 

FAQs

Have questions about retirement living? Find clear, helpful answers below to guide your decision and make the move with confidence.

Come and visit us for a tour! We’d love to show you around and introduce you to some of the residents, so you can get a better understanding of what it’s like to live at one of our retirement living communities.

We also recommend that you sign up to our database so you can learn more about the individual properties come on the market.

Your safety and security is of the utmost importance to us. At all our villages we have staff either one site or on call 24/7. Our staff, neighbours, 24hr call system and CCTV provide great peace of mind for our residents.

Pets are absolutely welcome at all our retirement living communities, but we do ask you seek approval of management first. We want to make sure our communities are a wonderful place for those with and without pets, so we may ask you comply with a few guidelines to ensure a harmonious environment.

VMCH does offer a fantastic range of At-Home Aged Care services. If you need a little extra help at home and in the community, then we can provide the care you need. From cleaning, to shopping and allied health support. To find out more call 1300 698 624.

Retirement living is for people over 55 who can live independently in their own homes, and can participate and enjoy the community lifestyle.

In contrast, residents who live in an aged care residence can no longer live at home independently and require daily care for their health and safety.

Definitely! This is your home after all. Friends and family are welcome to stay with you for short periods. If you’re planning to have a visitor for an extended period of time, you’ll need to talk to the Manager.

Generally, any variations or alterations to the apartments, such as new paint colour scheme, alternate floor coverings, installation of permanent fixtures and other modifications will require the consent of management.

VMCH has retirement living communities across Bacchus Marsh, Brunswick West, Camberwell, Clayton, Deepdene, Eltham, Greensborough, Hawthorn, Kew, Kyneton, Pakenham, Point Cook, Torquay, Toorak, and Trentham.

We recommend that you consult your solicitor and financial planner or accountant before making this important decision.

You have the security of a 49-year lease. You may of course leave at any time of your own choosing.
No, stamp duty or GST are not applicable.

There is a weekly maintenance charge towards the operating cost of the communal facilities and services. This is set annually in relation to actual costs and in discussion with the resident committees at each of the sites.

You are responsible for insuring the contents of your home. Building insurance for your unit is included in the weekly maintenance fees.

The DMF is really an ‘enjoy now, pay later’ arrangement. This fee contributes to the capital cost of the amenities. By deferring these costs, entry into our community lifestyle is more affordable. You pay these deferred fees when you leave from the ingoing price paid by the next resident, which, in recent times, has usually returned more than the amount you paid.

A 24-hour emergency call service is provided to all residents and is included in the maintenance fees. Access to emergency assistance is by phone and pendant.

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