A Whole New Family: Loretta’s Experience Moving Into a Lifestyle Village
A Whole New Family: Loretta’s Experience Moving Into a Lifestyle Village
Loretta Bichel didn’t always picture herself living in a lifestyle village. But now that she’s here, she says it’s one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
From rekindling her passion for cooking and sewing to building what she describes as a “whole new family,” Loretta’s story shows just how transformative community life can be.
Bringing passion into village life
Loretta isn’t someone who likes sitting still. Since moving into the village, she’s brought her creative passions with her: sharing meals with others, mending zips, hemming dresses, and bringing people together in the process.
“It’s amazing to be able to cook and make meals that everybody enjoys. I feed off that energy.”
Sewing has been part of Loretta’s life since she was 25. Now, she’s the go-to person in the village for clothing fixes.
“I’ve been taking up hems, fixing zips, shortening dresses… I love it. They’ll probably find me dead over my sewing machine or my cooking pots,” she jokes.
It’s not just about the craft. It’s about giving.
“Being able to help people is fantastic. That’s something we all do here. If someone’s sick? Knock knock knock. ‘Is there anything we can get you? We’ll take your rubbish out.’ It’s been fabulous.”
A place for family
The sense of care and connection doesn’t end with the residents. Loretta says the village is incredibly family-friendly, which makes all the difference.
“We’ve got a calendar in the centre, and we’ll write on it if we’re hosting a family dinner. But sometimes someone might not see it, so they’ll walk in, not realising, and we’ll say, ‘Come meet the family!’”
It’s become a place where not just residents, but also their loved ones, feel at home.
“We’ve all got to know each other’s families. When they come through the gate, it’s ‘Oh, that’s Wayne!’ or ‘Hi, Sandy!’”
“It’s so family-orientated, and that’s part of what makes it such a wonderful place to live.”
Social life and staying connected
As part of the social club, Loretta helps bring people together for monthly lunches and events.
“One month we’ll cook a beautiful meal. The next, we’ll do something easier, like a pizza night – with ice cream of course,” she laughs.
“This month I think we’re doing cold meats and six different salads,” she adds, noting the vegetarians and gluten-free residents. “We make sure everyone feels included.”
The goal is to make sure no one is left behind.
Loretta also mentions the social club, and how they’ll often go to the people and bring them out, instead of “sitting in their rooms and not enjoying themselves.”
She knows firsthand how important that is.
“If you stay in your room too long, you get too much in your own head. Loneliness creeps in. You have to get up and get out.”
That’s why residents look out for each other.
“We’ll knock and say, ‘We’re going for a trip Bunnings’ or ‘We’re going for a coffee.’”
It makes all the difference.
Moving into a lifestyle village: Advice from Loretta
Loretta says moving into a lifestyle village isn’t something you need to overthink.
“You’ll never regret moving into one. It becomes your family.”
She’s found more than convenience; though that’s part of it too.
“Everything’s local. Everything’s handy. The place is spotless. And it’s so easy to live here.”
But most of all, it’s the people.
“The thing I love most? I’ve got a whole new family. They don’t have to be blood to be your family. We all interact, we all care, and we all look after each other.”
Her final message is simple: “Living in a village like this doesn’t restrict you. It brings you out, and out of yourself.”
Thinking about your next chapter?
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Read about other resident success stories here, or reach out today to schedule a visit and start your journey to a fulfilling retirement.
Life’s good, and it’s even better here
Did you know we have Teman retirement villages across Australia? We are located in Cooranbong, Gillieston Heights, Cessnock, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Orange in New South Wales. Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Gladstone in Queensland. Perth and Ravenswood near Mandurah in Western Australia and Kennington and Geelong in Victoria. If you’d like to know more about living in a Teman community, the benefits of a lifestyle village, or to preview our fantastic facilities, simply complete the form below and we’ll email you an information pack.
