Looking for a retirement village?
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Looking for a retirement village?
Take the stress out of the search with Care & Co Match. Get started today.
on the Friday, July 10, 2026
Resthaven North Haven ‘The Haven’ Retirement Living resident, Mr Raymond (Ray) McKecknie, says he enjoys how easy life has become since moving into his serviced apartment a little over a year ago.
‘I don’t have to do anything,’ Ray says in a conspiratorial whisper. ‘My room is cleaned once a week. My towels and sheets are washed. Cooked meals are provided, and there’s no gardening! It’s excellent here – I love it!’
Ray lives in one of the serviced apartments at the site, with additional, stand-alone retirement units also on the village property. The apartments are located around the central library/lounge/ activity room, with a separate dining room and reception area in the building. This brings security to the homes, as well as a communal area for residents and visitors to mingle. A social committee runs the weekly Happy Hour, and there is also carpet bowls, bingo and a ‘chat and craft’ session. Site functions are held a few times a year.
‘It’s quite a community here,’ Ray says. ‘I have coffee most mornings with one of the other residents, and I see a fair few regulars at lunch each day.’
For Ray, having meals prepared has removed that ongoing question of ‘what’s for dinner?’.
‘We have a hot, three-course meal in the dining room at lunch time, and then our two-course dinner is delivered to our doors each evening,’ Ray says. ‘I don’t mind cooking, but coming up with something every day felt more like an obligation. Now, there’s less shopping, less preparation, and less cleaning up afterwards. Now, all I need is for someone to wash my breakfast dishes and I’d be done – not that it’s much of an ask – a bowl, a mug and a spoon,’ Ray laughs.
The same applies to household cleaning and maintenance. Instead of worrying about vacuuming, repairs, or keeping up with outdoor work, those responsibilities are handled. This not only reduces stress but also allows Ray to spend more time doing things he actually enjoys.
‘We’re right next to the local footy club here, so I’ll often head over there to watch a game and catch up with people,’ Ray says. ‘We’re also right next to the shops, so it is easy to get something if I need it.’
‘All the staff here are amazing. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. I definitely recommend it as a place to live for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of taking care of a house themselves.’
Resthaven offers a wide range of retirement living options across South Australia, from serviced apartments, stand alone villages, and communities co-located with residential care.
