When it comes to planning for your retirement, finding the right one is key to enjoying your life. Whether you want to own your own home, a serviced apartment or an aged care facility, Australia has many retirement communities to suit your needs and preferences. In this, we’ll look at the options so you can make an informed decision for your next chapter.
What is a retirement village?
A retirement village is a purpose-built community for older Australians, usually 65+ although many villages welcome 55+ residents. These villages offer low-maintenance living with a broad range of resort-style amenities such as swimming pools, lawn bowls, hairdressers, craft rooms and more. Whether you like a garden villa, an independent apartment building or self-contained units, retirement villages have a range of housing options so you can live independently while part of a tight-knit community.
St Ives Retirement Villages for example cater for seniors who want a social, active and connected retirement lifestyle without the hassle of a big property to maintain. Our residents are 60+, and many love the peace of mind that comes with living in a connected community and social activities right on their doorstep.
Check out our latest Happiness Report to learn exactly what our residents think about life in St Ives.
Retirement living options
1. Independent living units
For those who want to live independently but not the upkeep of a traditional home, independent living units are a great choice.. These self-contained units have one, two and three-bedroom options with modern appliances, open plan living and outdoor spaces like courtyards or balconies.
Features:
- Spacious designs with bright living areas
- Modern kitchens with quality appliances
- Courtyards, balconies or attached garages in most cases
- 24-hour emergency call systems
Independent living units such as St Ives are perfect for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement, spend time with family and friends and participate in community activities without the hassle of home maintenance.
2. Serviced apartments
If you want a mix of independence and support, serviced apartments might be the way to go. These apartments offer flexible services like cleaning, laundry and meal preparation so you can focus on living.
Features:
- Studio to two-bedroom options with ensuites
- Small kitchens or tea-making facilities
- On-site car parking
- 24-hour monitored call bells for emergency assistance
Serviced apartments offer a hassle-free lifestyle for older people who want convenience and privacy but still want to be part of a supportive community.
3. Aged care and assisted living
For those who need more support, aged care and assisted living facilities offer services to meet health and mobility needs.
Aged care facilities
For seniors who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and meal preparation, aged care facilities offer a higher level of medical care. These facilities are co-located with other retirement living options in some communities so if more care is needed in the future it’s an easy transition.
Assisted living facilities
- Assisted living is a great option for those who need ongoing support but still want to have some independence. These facilities offer social activities and a sense of community while residents have access to the services and support they need.
What’s right for you
1. Your lifestyle and needs
When choosing a retirement home you need to consider your lifestyle, health and future needs. Do you want to live in a vibrant community with social activities or a more private low-maintenance option?
- Think about your mobility and do you need easy access to support.
- Consider your finances, entry fees, ongoing costs and exit fees.
- Do you want a serviced apartment or an independent unit for your daily routine?
2. Financial considerations
Financial planning is important when choosing your retirement lifestyle. Make sure you factor in all costs including insurance, maintenance fees and government subsidies. Seek professional advice from a financial advisor to help you with your options and the transition.
Retirement living locations
Location is important in retirement living. Many seniors want to live close to family and friends, others want a peaceful regional setting. Consider how close you’ll be to healthcare services, shops and recreational facilities. Retirement communities often have co-located amenities like parks, cafes and fitness centres so life is more enjoyable.
Moving to a retirement village
Top Tips
- Start researching retirement living options now.
- Go and visit communities and talk to current residents.
- Start the move by sorting through your possessions.
- Talk to financial planners or retirement experts to understand your options.
Retirement living benefits
Retirement living has many benefits, from social connections to personal freedom. Whether you’re playing lawn bowls, taking a dip in the pool or attending community events you’ll find many ways to stay active and engaged. Plus the low-maintenance lifestyle means you have more time to spend with loved ones, travel or just relax.
What’s right for you?
Choosing the right retirement living option is a personal decision that should match your lifestyle, preferences and future needs. Whether you choose a self-contained unit in a retirement village, a serviced apartment or assisted living the goal is to enjoy your golden years with peace of mind, independence and a sense of community. Take your time, do your research and visit different villages to find what’s right for you.Enquire with St Ives today and learn how our independent living facilities can help you live your dream retirement.