In the latest issue of SATURDAY, Judy Mayfield, President of the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV), highlighted growing resident concerns about living alongside fellow residents with dementia.
Judy shared with permission a discussion among ARQRV promoters at 30 villages across Queensland. There were stories about residents wandering at night, forgetting medication, lashing out without warning. In one case, a woman was moved into care against her will – a scene that distressed her neighbours.
In Victoria, the proposed Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2024, due to come into effect before May 2026, will make clear that residents cannot be removed without consent.
Helen Betros, President of Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria, said transitions are usually managed in consultation with families.
“There has been one situation where there was no family and no Power of Attorney. In that instance, the corporate process was used involving medical practitioners,” she said.
In NSW, Retirement Village Residents Association (RVRA) President Craig Bennett recalled a resident crying “I don’t want to go,” and said such cases are distressing for fellow residents.
"I am not sure Village Managers can do something unless they are fully aware of all the facts, such as has the person given enduring power of attorney and/ guardian rights to another person. Also if a carer is involved is that person unable to cope any more. Multiple reasons could arise," he said.
RVRA Vice-President Roger Pallant stressed removals are never arbitrary, but usually made with the family or enduring Power of Attorney – noting that fellow residents are not always aware of all the circumstances.
"I know a case ... where a resident was not taking medication, was walking the streets, could not make her own breakfast etc and fellow residents helped out. She was finally put into aged care by her children but in our view months too late. It is sad to watch this happen to people you know; I used to play golf with this woman. Sad as it is, her safety must come first," he said.
