Sarah Belyea works in an environment akin to a “luxury resort” and finishes each day with a deep sense of satisfaction.

The clinical manager at Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village in Ocean Grove has had a whirlwind year at the award-winning facility, leading the establishment of the village’s 120 bed aged care centre and working to ensure it passed its first accreditation with flying colours.

“It’s been a fantastic experience coming in at the start because all of the staff are fresh and energised and we’re admitting residents and continuing to grow the team,” Sarah said.

“In my role I’ve been able to have a lot of involvement in the establishment and selection of people and procedures and really shape the care centre, which is great.”

As the village’s clinical manager, Sarah leads a team of expert staff, including registered nurses and personal care workers, to provide person-centered care to residents.

While completing a Bachelor of Nursing, Sarah worked as a personal care worker, later climbing the ranks as a registered nurse in aged care with a strong focus on leadership and management.

“Being able to be there with residents every day gave me so much joy,” she said.

Her natural ability to both lead and nurse with compassion resulted in Sarah holding care manager and general manager roles before having a senior care manager role during COVID-19.

Sarah said Deborah Cheetham was a stellar example of aged care done well.

“Everyone in the sector is doing their best, but the standard of care at Ryman is exceptional,” she said.

“It’s like a luxury resort, looking around you’ve got a full schedule of activities, a café on site and many other amenities which mean it’s not like your standard aged care facility, but a wonderful community.”

The first-class design and amenities with the village's care centre and assisted living apartments led to Deborah Cheetham winning 'Interior Design of the Year' at the 2024 Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore.

The village’s continuum of care model, comprising independent living villas, assisted living apartments, home care, low care high care and specialist dementia care meant stereotypes about aged care did not apply.

“Residents from across our village can come to our care centre for respite, often following a surgery or procedure, and then when they are ready, they can go back to their villa or serviced apartment,” she said.

“Some residents have done this several times and it’s great because there is this stereotype that care is the only place someone is going to live for the rest of their life, and for many that is simply not true.

“There is a real sense of community in our care centre with people from all different living options visiting and spending time there which makes it an exciting place.”

The interaction between residents and staff from independent villas through to high care was something that set Ryman apart.

“Everyone is connected and that’s what I love about Ryman,” Sarah said.

Click here to find out more about Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village.