Ryman scoops up four innovation awards
New Zealand listed Ryman Healthcare, which to date in Australia has only invested in Victoria, walked away with four awards during last week’s Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, part of the World Ageing Festival 2024, at Singapore.
For the second year in a row, the healthcare group won the Operator of the Year – Ageing in Place, accolade, for the continuum of care model it designed, owns and operates, incorporating independent retirement living in the same complex with aged care comprising low, high and specialist dementia care. – this model forms part of every Ryman complex.
Also at APEIA, the business’ aged care division, which includes home care and extra support, and a daily chef prepared meal, won Operator of the Year – Assisted Living.
“The award recognises the invaluable benefits residents gain from being able to age within a community they know as their care needs change,” a Ryman spokesperson said.
Bellarine project wins design award
Meanwhile, Ocean Grove’s Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village (pictured, top) took away the Design of the Year – Interior Design award.
Opened last year, the community includes a large hand tufted rug and paintings, including by Taungwurrung Kulin and Mick Harding in a communal centre.
“The award recognises Ryman’s commitment to…honouring the traditional owners of the land and how the contemporary design facilitates meaningful conversation,” a spokesperson said.
“It also celebrates how the residential interior helps serviced apartment and care centre residents to have positive health outcomes,” they added.
App win
Also winning an APEIA award – Innovation of the Year – Technology Social Engagement – was the myRyman Resident App, designed with NZ based Journey Digital (story continues below).
Created specifically for older adults, it launched last year after over 270 hours of testing and interviews with 150 residents.
Last year, at the event, the operator won the Digital Design Apps and Software Green Tick awards.
“Ryman’s success…was a fantastic recognition of the expertise and passion of teams right across the business,” Ryman Healthcare chief executive officer, Cameron Holland, said.
“As a business we’re constantly looking for innovative solutions to enhance freedom, connection and wellbeing for people as we grow older” he added.
“And innovation comes in many different forms…sometimes it’s technological, as with our myRyman resident app, but it can also be the way in which we did with our Deborah Cheetham village,” according to the executive.
“The best innovations though are always simple, intuitive and have people at their heart, which is why it’s so satisfying to see our continuum of care model once again recognised as a world leading approach.
“Ryman villages work so well because they’re built and operated to cater for the unique lifestyle and health needs of each resident so they can live their best life wherever they are on their ageing journey.
More than 300 entries for 10 awards were submitted for the 15th APEIA, held at the Marina Bay Sands.
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