How residents maintain independence at residential aged care home in Gordon
Having agency and choice matters to everyone, at every stage of life, especially as you grow older. Yet many Australians believe that moving into residential aged care means losing their independence. The 2024 Residential Aged Care Insights found that around half of Australians considering aged care fear losing their independence, even though residents themselves often describe the opposite.
At Roden Cutler Lodge in Gordon, choice is part of everyday life. Residents decide what their days look like, from painting and flower arranging to playing mahjong or spending time in the gardens. Each person is encouraged to do what they enjoy and supported to keep living life according to their unique rhythm.
For many, that sense of comfort and control comes as a surprise. What they find is a home that’s warm, supportive, and built around the people who live there. Read on to discover what life is like at Roden Cutler Lodge.
Life that’s guided by residents’ choices
Every day at Roden Cutler Lodge starts with the people who live there. When a new resident arrives, the team sits down to learn about their interests. What have they always loved doing?What might theylike to try?
Lifestyle Coordinator Robyn explains, “All our activities are person-centred. It’s important because everyone has different needs, whether physical or cognitive. Everything is personal for the resident.”
This approach means no two days ever feel the same. “On our activity program, we’ve got floral arranging, knitting, indoor carpet bowls, cooking, card games, mahjong and bridge,” Robyn says. “And if a resident comes and says, ‘I used to play this,’ we’ll introduce it.”
Most importantly, residents are free to choose what feels right for them. As resident Alan explains, living at Roden Cutler Lodge is “completely different” to what he expected, and he doesn’t feel limited living here. “I can go out quite often and have a meal with friends. My daughters take me out for a drive somewhere,” he says.
Resident Denise says it’s that sense of freedom that surprised her most. “The residents have quite a bit of say in what they’d like to do, and that makes a big difference. You’re not regimented.”
At Roden Cutler Lodge, choice isn’t simply respected – it’s also encouraged. As Robyn, puts it, “It’s really important that we empower residents to continue to do the things that they love. This is their home.”
Fostering moments of joy and creativity
Creativity is a thread that runs through daily life at Roden Cutler Lodge. Some residents paint, others arrange flowers, and many simply enjoy being part of the colour and energy that fills the home.
Resident Pauline rediscovered her love of painting after moving in, and she enjoys taking part in the art classes with her friends, led by the visiting teacher. “I'm really glad I picked up painting again. I enjoy it very much,” she says. The group has even visited exhibitions together, finding joy and connection in something new.
Fresh flowers are another part of life here. Residents often gather greenery from the garden and fill vases for the dining tables and reception. “It’s like a florist workshop,” says Robyn. “They decide what vases will go where, and it’s really beautiful to see them working together. They love it.”
For many residents, taking part in creative activities helps them express who they are, stay connected, and keep using the skills they’ve always enjoyed.
Care that’s personal and kind
Care at Roden Cutler Lodge is built on genuine relationships, with staff who are supportive and kind.
Residents often talk about how gentle and patient the team is. Denise says, “The staff here [...] have a very lovely nature. There’s a softness about them, and that helps when you move into a place.”
Alan feels the same way. “I’m more than happy with the staff here,” he says. “They’re very caring and very attentive. If I need anything at all, they will come and help me with it.” Pauline agrees, adding, “The staff here are wonderful.”
Robyn explains how this is the Anglicare difference: “You can’t teach people to care … and at Anglicare, all the people here genuinely care.”
A place where family always feels welcome
Family and friends are always welcome at Roden Cutler Lodge. There are no visiting hours; family and friends can visit when they like. Whether it’s a walk around the beautiful gardens, sharing a meal in the dining room or taking loved ones out for a day trip, there’s plenty of choice.
Denise appreciates how her family can visit at any time. “They can come whenever they like.” Last Christmas, for example, she invited her family for a barbecue on the balcony.
Alan’s daughters visit often, too. “They’re rather amazed at what’s offered here – the lovely facilities, the decks and places you can go to.”
Living life your way, with care and support
Life at Roden Cutler Lodge is guided by simple but important things: choice, comfort, and care. Residents decide how they spend their days and know there’s support whenever they need it.
Some find joy in painting or flower arranging. Others take comfort in quiet moments in the garden or time spent with family. What they all share is the feeling and knowledge that they can live life their way, surrounded by people who care.
As Alan said, “I wondered why I didn’t move in earlier.”
Explore Anglicare’s residential aged care homes
Looking for more information? Explore our residential aged care directory.
You can also follow Anglicare on Instagram and Facebook to see daily life in our homes and what care with heart truly looks like.
Information Pack: Roden Cutler Lodge
FAQs
What kind of accommodation can residents expect?
Each resident has their own private room with an ensuite bathroom. Rooms include a king single electric bed, built-in cabinetry with a sink and lockable drawer, air conditioning, and a wall-mounted smart TV. The rooms have large windows, making them bright and comfortable, with safety features like emergency call buttons and accessible bathrooms.
What services and facilities are included?
Roden Cutler Lodge has a café, chapel, activity rooms, and bright, open lounge spaces. There’s also a hair salon, wellness centre, and outdoor areas with courtyards, terraces, and raised garden beds. Residents have access to physiotherapy equipment, WiFi, interactive games, a library, and Foxtel in their rooms. Laundry and housekeeping are provided.
What activities and lifestyle programs are offered?
The lifestyle calendar is based on what the residents would like to do and is full of variety. Residents can join activities like: art therapy sessions, exercise classes, live entertainment, bus outings, flower arranging or mahjong – an so much more. There’s regular church services with the on-site chaplain. Everyone is encouraged to choose what interests them.
What are the meals like, and do residents have a choice?
Meals are freshly prepared daily. Lunch has an option of main meal and includes dessert. There’s a variety of choices with dinner including soup, salad and sandwiches.
How can families find out more?
You can call Anglicare on 1300 111 278 or visit anglicare.org.au/roden-cutler to book a tour. The team will show you around, answer your questions and help you get a feel for the home.
Don't miss the next article, subscribe below.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.