In 2024 Ryman Healthcare came out on top as Aged Advisor’s Best Provider Nationwide, thanks to the number of positive reviews from our very own residents and their family members. In equal parts those reviews saw seven villages throughout the country recognised as Aged Advisor Peoples Choice Awards finalists in specific village categories.
In the North Island, Keith Park was a finalist for Best Small Retirement/Lifestyle Village, while Charles Fleming and Kiri Te Kanawa were finalists for Best Large Retirement/Lifestyle Village. In the South Island, Ryman Northwood was recognised as a finalist for Best Small Retirement/Lifestyle Village, and Anthony Wilding, Diana Isaac, and Ernest Rutherford were all finalists for Best Large Retirement/Lifestyle Village.
READ MORE:
While none of these villages took out the top prize, the appreciation reflects the amazing work done by team members at these villages and the experiences of the residents who live there. For village managers, the acknowledgement of their village was a big win for their work week.
“It makes me feel proud of the team and staff. To know their work is being seen and felt by our residents. They give so much on a daily basis that it can sometimes get glossed over, but having something like this is a wonderful, tangible recognition of their hard work and care,” says Ernest Rutherford Village Manager Sam Ferrick.
The Diana Isaac team, including Village Manager Steve Wakeman, accept their finalist certificate
from Aged Advisor's General Manager Tania Ryan.
For Jane Hickman, the village manager at Charles Fleming Village, she sees the recognition as a blessing not only from Aged Advisor, but from her village residents. “It gives you comfort that you are doing what you are employed to do by providing care that is ‘good enough for Mum and Dad’, and that we are aligning our work with what we believe in.”
The awards are based on over 15,000 reviews and ratings from more than 940 retirement and aged care facilities across the country. This year they saw residents rally behind their villages to share what they love about living in a Ryman village through an online or in person form. This direct feedback led to the recognition and ultimate win as Best Provider Nationwide.
Anthony Wilding Village Manager Sharon Armstrong was thankful to residents for taking the time to complete the survey and recognise the high-quality of care and compassion shown by the village team.
Ryman Northwood Resident Services Manager Kirsty Collins (holding certificate) with GM Operations – South Island and Lower North Island Sally Nicholas and Area Sales Manager Tracy McLeod, with Aged Advisor's Tania Ryan.
Hers was a sentiment shared by many managers throughout the country. Every day they come to work and do their best for every resident, and its rewarding to see that hard work acknowledged by the community, she mentioned.
For village teams this acknowledgement is one that won’t be taken lightly. As Jane shares: “When you see tears in the eyes of some of the staff at the village to receive this recognition, it makes you feel so proud of them. What they do isn’t just a job, it is a vocation that brings them joy.”
Ultimately these nominations give villages the opportunity to celebrate the efforts of their amazing teams. As Jane says, “to be recognised like this brings them a warmth in their heart that they are doing not just a good job but a great job for our residents.”