Within our Village communities, we believe it’s important for every retiree to stay informed about the different retirement living options available to them. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, you’re recently retired, or you’ve been enjoying the retiree lifestyle for some time now, understanding your choices can be incredibly beneficial and reassuring.
That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide discussing a range of different retirement living options, their benefits, and things to consider before you make your decision. Keep on reading to find out more and allow The Village Retirement Group to provide the information you need to make the right choice for your retirement.
Staying at Home
The first option is to simply stay where you are and continue living in your own home. In fact, if you have no problems living independently, this might be the most suitable option when you first retire. You’ll have the benefit of staying in the area you know and love with an established community of neighbours and friends, offering comfort, stability, and familiarity.
However, it’s also important to remember that staying at home may not be the best option later down the line. As you age, your healthcare needs and physical mobility will likely change, creating challenges when it comes to maintaining your health, home, and independence. When this happens, it’s important to understand the additional options available to you.
Downsizing
If you have a large home that requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep, downsizing to a smaller property, such as a townhouse or apartment, can help to lighten the load. Advantages can include less time spent cleaning and maintaining your home, lower utility bills, and possibly even releasing equity from your current house to add to your retirement pot.
Of course, downsizing can come with setbacks as well. For example, the reduced space may require you to part with some belongings before moving. Also, if you’re moving into a townhouse or apartment, you’ll need to consider any body corporate fees and policies that may influence your decision. What’s more, it might be difficult to find somewhere suitable in the area you currently live in, meaning you may have to move away from your current community.
Moving in With Family
If you have adult children, it may be possible to move in with them on either a temporary or permanent basis. This can lower expenses, provide emotional support and connection, and help you maintain your independence for longer with their support.
Understandably, this isn’t a viable option for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a permanent solution. Perhaps you don’t have adult children to move in with, or maybe their home does not have the space required to accommodate you and your belongings long-term.
It’s also possible their home does not have the accessibility features you need, and they’re unable to make the necessary alterations due to rental circumstances or financial limitations. Even if your child can provide you with your own independent living quarters, the move can still take some getting used to as you adjust to your new family dynamic.
Going into Residential Aged Care
Aged care homes, also sometimes referred to as nursing homes, are specialised facilities that provide 24-hour personal care to their residents. If you’re struggling to maintain your independence and find yourself needing help with day-to-day activities such as meals, bathing, and getting dressed, residential aged care could be the solution.
Not only will you have access to 24-hour support and regular visits from healthcare professionals, but you’ll also get to spend your days enjoying regular planned activities with similarly-aged residents. This steadfast companionship can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health, with the potential to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
However, residential aged care isn’t the right option for everyone, and moving into such a facility is a big decision to make. For starters, you might not yet require full-time care and assistance with all your day-to-day activities. In this case, you may want to explore other options, such as a part-time support worker or at-home care services.
Even if it turns out to be the right choice, suddenly needing 24-hour care can be a huge adjustment. If you’ve always been a highly independent person, for example, you may need time to come to terms with this change before you move. On top of this, high-quality care can be expensive, especially for private facilities, so you may need time to get your finances in order before making any commitments.
Moving into a Retirement Village
Retirement villages allow you to settle into a community where the housing, services, and amenities are specifically designed for retirees, helping you maintain independence for longer. Moving into a neighbourhood of like-minded, similarly-aged residents can do wonders for your social life, and the security of a gated community can offer you real peace of mind.
- Initial property purchase prices
- Ingoing costs
- Ongoing charges (e.g. general maintenance fees, optional service costs, etc.)
Exit fees
It can also be a good idea to think about different retirement village locations. Perhaps you’d like to move nearer to the city to be closer to certain services and facilities. On the other hand, maybe you’d like somewhere closer to the seaside for a more relaxed lifestyle and a change of scenery. Alternatively, perhaps you’d prefer somewhere close to your current residence so you can stay within your community. Whatever your desired location may be, it’s essential to choose a retirement village that can accommodate these preferences.
On top of this, you’ll want to do your research to find a retirement village with policies, facilities, and activities that align with your lifestyle. For example, perhaps you’d benefit from receiving at-home care to maintain your independence for longer. In these circumstances, you’ll want to make sure you find a retirement village that offers such services. Another example would be if you have a pet you’d like to bring with you. In this case, it’s important to choose a pet-friendly retirement village that has the right policies and amenities for your fur friend.
Considering a Retirement Village?
If you’re considering moving into a retirement village, our team is here to provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future. At our Village Retirement Group communities, we’re passionate about helping our residents enjoy their retirement by making sure they have everything they need to live life to the fullest. Allow our team to answer any questions you may have, and contact us today to find out if life with The Village is the right choice for you.
