A cup of tea. A shared laugh. A familiar face who listens to a story they’ve heard a dozen times before. For many older New Zealanders, these small moments can make the difference between feeling connected and feeling alone.
Age Concern research found 59% of New Zealanders aged 65 and over had recently experienced loneliness, with almost one in three (30%) saying they felt lonely a lot or all the time. At Alden’s Rosedale Retirement Village in Albany, loneliness is being tackled in a very practical way through a role unusual in the retirement sector. Since June last year, the village has trialled Meaningful Moment Assistants (MMAs), affectionately known as the 'Unicorns of Rosedale'. Their job is simple: notice the resident, not just the routine. They might pop in for a chat, notice someone hasn’t left their room, or discover an interest that could bring more meaning to their day.
For 92-year-old Mary Howard, their support has made a huge difference. When Mary first arrived at Rosedale, she was frightened and uncertain and rarely left her room, says activities coordinator Jolene Chidrawi. “Before moving into the village, she relied heavily on her son and daughter-in-law for reassurance, so moving into a completely new environment was a huge adjustment.”
The Unicorns spent time simply sitting and talking with Mary, without putting pressure on her. “We learnt the little things that made her feel comfortable. Those small things helped us build her trust and show her that she had people here she could rely on.” Slowly, Mary’s confidence grew. She now joins bus outings, enjoys pet therapy and looks forward to visits from local kindy children. “It has been so lovely watching her confidence grow,” says Jolene. For her family, it has also brought reassurance, knowing Mary has people around her who know her, understand her and are there when she needs them.
Because loneliness can happen even when someone is surrounded by people. Sometimes, one meaningful moment is enough to change someone’s day.
Rosedale Village
255 Rosedale Road, Albany
09 414 1144
alden.co.nz
