Malvina Major Retirement Village

Mum moved into an independent apartment at the Malvina Major Retirement Village two years ago, after relinquishing her large home and garden in New Plymouth. She found the transition surprisingly easy because of the wonderful, caring and friendly culture in her new community. We found the MM staff to be unfailingly kind and helpful - whether welcoming Mum so warmly (Josie), helping Mum with her groceries (Neil), helping her make her apartment feel like home (Tony and Paul), or knowing her favourite slice at the cafe (John). Mum made good friends in the village and dearly valued those relationships. She loved her beautiful apartment with its amazing view, and all the facilities available at MM. Mum had cancer and this year it bit hard. Albie, the General Manager, was incredibly supportive of Mum and our family at the time, and we are so grateful to him and the hospital team who consistently went the extra mile to help us through the last months of Mum’s life. We are so glad we chose Malvina Major over all the other retirement options in Wellington. Our experience was outstanding, from beginning to end, and Mum was so happy in the Ryman village. I still miss the community who supported us both there and made Mum’s last two years so special.

It is a good residential seniors care home. My s.i.l. meal looked nourishing and good. I am concerned for residents safety on floor three noticing a huge crack in the architrave at the far end of the bridge . (Leaks?) In case of fire or earthquake I hope there is a good exit plan excluding the lift. The staff who presented while I was there were all very pleasant. One question. Security. I'm an 80 + visitor, have now been 4 times. Not once was I asked to sign in. Having worked in palliative and aged care previously for 10 years, may I ask is this normal. I feel In case of emergency staff cannot know who is on the premises and where.

If you're thinking about placing a loved one in this facility, particularly in the hospital wing, think long and hard. What you initially see is not necessarily what you get. Whilst it's hard to fault a good portion of the staff, the management and clinical management of the facility are nothing more than box tickers and budgetary managers - there's only one bottom line and most patients are an impediment to that. Management out of their depth, clinical management staff lack any empathy and compassion towards their patients/residents. What I can't understand is how poorly this facility rates compared to other Ryman facilities. They all work under the same template but .... if you're intent on a Ryman village, look at the others in the region for the benchmark as this one aint it!!!!.

Originally built as a motor lodge, it now operates as a retirement village. The facilities are clean and well appointed, the central atrium is a lovely sitting spot. A popular rest home

I viewed this home in Aug 08 with my elderly mother and was very impressed with the facilities and cleanliness and the quality of the rooms. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fine facility for the older family members.