The gated community of Eureka Orange has taken a ‘Residents first’ approach with new Village Manager, Phillipa Elmes-Mielke, affectionally known as ‘Pip’, at the helm.

Although completely independent living, Phillipa aims to create a kind, considerate and nurturing environment for Eureka Orange’s over 55’s residents.

Pip explained, “My role is to create a loving community environment for our residents, so that the village feels like home. For me it’s about thinking outside of the square of what’s going to provide some sort of joy and satisfaction for them.

“When they walk into the communal dining room, I want them to feel like it’s like an extension of their unit, we are trying to create that real homely feel, a real community atmosphere.”

With a mix of residents from 55 years of age, right through to 93, Phillipa has been busy reinvigorating their social club with more activities offered and tailored to that senior lifestyle.

From Tai Chi to Bingo, arts and crafts to happy hour, no one misses out in between.

“We’ve started a garden club and are working together to pull out the weeds and re-plant some of the roses, we cook together, we play trivia, and follow it up with ‘Beer and bubbles.’ We have a lot of fun. They’ve been having such a great time.”

“We’re also in the process of organising events and functions for the residents. We are having a family Christmas party this month where they can invite their family along to the village and that gives us an opportunity to meet them as well.

“Our residents have been so excited to introduce their family members to us, which is so gratifying. They think highly enough of us that they would introduce their family to us, and we start forming a bond and relationship with those family members as well, which us fantastic.

“Although we are completely independent living, we’re still actively involved with the residents, and we keep an eye out for them. We are here to look after them as much as we can, without stepping over that line.

“I’ve even had a hairdresser on site for those residents who are hesitant to head into town for a cut, just providing those tiny things that make such a difference in their lives, that’s what we’re about.

Eureka Orange also offers homestyle meals to their residents at no extra cost. Chef, Darrin, prepares delicious, fresh meals every day and is on site from Monday through Saturday.

With a breakfast package provided, a two-course lunch (usually a hot meal and dessert) and a take home dinner to heat and enjoy at their own leisure, residents are also given the choice of a light meal if they aren’t feeling too hungry.

Along with some of the units undergoing exciting renovations including flooring, paint and fixtures,

the Eureka Orange communal room is also receiving an exciting facelift. This houses a library, available seven days a week, a lounge area, and a dining area to sit down, enjoy a cup of tea and a catch up with family, friends or a service provider - all are welcome. 

“The residents have really noticed a big change, they are feeling that sense of community,” said Pip “They are feeling cared for, they love being here and being a part of a community.”

“I love getting out in the Village and interacting with the residents, I try to do it every day. They have an outdoor setting out the back of the village and on a Friday afternoon we will head out there and have a chat, I also like to have a walk around the village and say hello to everyone of a morning, let them know I’m here and see if there’s anything I can fix up for them.”

With no expensive buy in costs, Eureka Orange works under a standard NSW rental agreement. Weekly rent includes all meals on site and management looks after the rest, including maintenance.

“We have the room to house 60 residents and we have a couple of vacancies at the moment, we’d love to fill them.”

All of the units are unfurnished, and you have the option of a standard or deluxe unit, which are suitable for both couples and singles. Another bonus? Eureka Orange is pet friendly! You can bring your little best friend with you.

Each unit has an open plan layout, is equipped with a kitchenette, a living/dining room, a single bedroom with built in storage, a purpose built en suite which is equipped with laundry facilities. Each unit also has its own private courtyard, the perfect setting to enjoy a beautiful Spring afternoon.

Pip added, “The only thing our residents have to do is move in, connect their electricity, (we also have solar panels installed, so there are big savings for residents) and sit back and relax – we take care of the rest.”

If you’re looking to downsize and interested in enjoying the benefits of a village lifestyle, give the team a call. Free tours are available, and a display unit is available to view.

Or, if you have a general enquiry, please call 1800 356 818.

www.eurekavillages.com.au

15 Albert Street, Orange NSW