genU achieves national recognition for excellent retirement village services

genU has again been lauded for the high-quality services provided at two popular retirement villages in the Geelong area. 

St Laurence Park Retirement Village in Lara, and Barwarre Gardens Retirement Village in Marshall have collectively received Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) accreditation again, after a rigorous and independent assessment, which included input from village residents. 

St Laurence Park includes more than 100 affordable homes, in a secure and serene setting with parklands. Residents enjoy a relaxing lifestyle and a broad range of inclusive community programs and facilities, including happy hour, trivia nights, music events and indoor bowls. 

Barwarre Gardens boasts low-maintenance, purpose-built homes in a secure gated village, with a variety of architecturally-designed living options available. Residents stay socially active with a diverse range of engaging programs like movie clubs, mahjong, tai chi and line dancing classes and benefit from health and wellness initiatives and access to a dietician, fitness classes, and a hairdresser onsite. 

genU CEO Clare Amies said the QIP recognition was validation for genU’s commitment to achieving the highest standards in service and support for retirement village residents. 

“Being QIP accredited means our retirement villages as a whole are committed to a comprehensive program,” she said.

“This involves engaging our team and residents to review our systems and processes and allowing an independent team of assessors to review how our organisation operates.”

Clare said the high level of support and services delivered at each property was validated by St Laurence Park and Barwarre Gardens meeting the nationally recognised set of standards, focused on quality, engagement, privacy and safety. 

“Residents can have peace of mind knowing they are living in a QIP accredited village,” Clare said. 

“This creates an additional layer of comfort, with genU fully committed to ensuring we are providing high quality services and support in a safe environment, and we highly value the independence of the QIP process.

“We take every opportunity to strengthen our engagement with residents at St Laurence Park, as we constantly strive to create positive outcomes.”

QIP chairman Gary Smith said genU had been formally recognised for their commitment to quality improvements, implementation of effective systems, processes and team work against the Australian Retirement Village Accreditation Scheme Standards with the award of accreditation by QIP. (ARVAS is co-owned by the Property Council of Australia and Aged & Community Care Providers Association and is independently operated on their behalf by QIP.)

“Accreditation is a major achievement and a clear demonstration that genU is committed to providing their residents with a high-quality living environment.” said QIP chairman Gary Smith. 

Mr Smith said accreditation was more than a compliance-based program. 

“It recognises strengths and areas for improvement, which helps villages/communities to identify key quality improvement priorities,” he said. “This should be commended, and QIP congratulates genU on reaching this national benchmark.” 

Clare highlighted the importance of input from residents who call the retirement villages home and care about how each one operates, with their interests central to all decisions. 

“Our St Laurence Park and Barwarre Gardens teams, including our residents, should be proud of this accreditation and view it as a collective achievement,” she said.

Our residents’ response to QIP accreditation

“It offers assurance knowing that genU has governing practises that meet regulation standards.”

“Management is held accountable for continuous improvements.”

“Management considers residents opinion when making decisions.” 

“We know that management care about our wellbeing.” 

Sound like something you want to be a part of? Check out our current vacancies at Barwarre Gardens now.