Carers dedicate their lives to looking after their loved ones, but sometimes they need some respite so they can look after themselves.

Respite care provides a break for carers by allowing someone else to do the caring for a short period of time.  It is also useful for people who live in their own home but temporarily need a little extra care, perhaps to recover from an injury or illness.

Whatever the reason for their stay, each respite guest at Glengara Care is made to feel right at home and assured the highest quality of care.

What is respite care?

Respite care gives both a senior and their carer a break from their usual care arrangements.

It can be provided by a respite service or family and friends, and can happen in the home, or in a facility such as a community centre or residential care.

The length of care can also vary. For instance, respite care can be a regular arrangement for a few hours a week or for a longer period such as a weekend.

When you may consider respite care

• Illness or surgery recovery: If you live in your own home but need a little extra care in the short-term – perhaps to recover from illness, injury or a hospital stay – respite care could be the answer.
• Carers take a break: Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally tough at times. While you love what you do and who you care for, it’s essential that you have a break sometimes. Taking time out to relax, recharge or even just attend to everyday activities is vital to ensuring your own health and wellbeing.

Respite care at Glengara

At Glengara Care, you can stay in a care apartment for up to two weeks. This gives you the opportunity to recuperate, away from home, chores, and cooking. By letting us look after you, you can focus on what’s most important – getting better.

We will take care of everything, including cooking, cleaning, shower assistance, dressing, medication support, and more. You can feel confident in knowing that our care team are on-site and alert 24 hours a day.

Glengara Care is a registered nurse-led model of care and we pride ourselves in offering our residents nursing-home level care in their own luxurious, private home.

Each apartment includes an ensuite, living and dining area, kitchenette, and outdoor space. It truly is aged care like you’ve never seen it before.

Our respite offering is 24/7 care for a short-period of time in one of our care apartments. Before you move in, our care manager will sit down with you to design your own personalised care plan.

In addition, you won’t need ACAT/ACAS approval to qualify for respite care with us.

Why choose Glengara Care?

The first thing you’ll notice about Glengara Care is how much it feels like home, and it’s no coincidence – we’ve very carefully designed it this way.

While our residents and respite guests are assured the highest quality of care from our qualified nurses during their stay, we also go to the extra effort to ensure those in our care feel special and valued.

Glengara Care is not a hospital, and it’s nothing like traditional aged care facilities.

It’s been purpose-built within the heart of our beautiful Glengara Retirement Village, which offers a great lifestyle and a warm, connected community. Between our residents and staff, nobody ever feels isolated at Glengara Care and there is never a shortage of things to do and people to talk to.

Respite residents have access to around the clock care from on-site care staff, the opportunity to participate in community activities, and enjoy daily cooked meals prepared by our professional chef.

Respite residents will live alongside our Glengara Care residents and will quickly become a part of our welcoming community.

Download our respite care brochure

Trialling the good life

Respite care can also be the best way to experience all the benefits of living in a Glengara Care apartment and can offer peace of mind for those who might be considering making the move permanent.

This respite service allows you to experience the Glengara Care community and all Glengara village’s stunning facilities. Treat your time here as a relaxed and supported holiday, for both you and your caregiver.

Enjoy the beautiful gardens, relax in our comfortable lounge and get involved in community life. Activities vary from billiards and bowls to movie nights and craft afternoons.

Benefits of respite care at Glengara

1. A private, secure space: The majority of respite offers are single rooms with a lockable door and ensuite. We offer a spacious one-bedroom apartment with beautiful furnishings and fit offs.
2. Couples can stay together: A very common situation is the primary carer needs a break, however they feel guilty about putting their partner into respite. By having the ability to stay with their partner while they get the care and support, both are able to fully relax and recover. Most other respite offerings do not allow for couples to stay together.
3. Tailored services and independent living: We really support the respite resident to continue to live independently as much as possible. That means the resident chooses when they want to eat, have a tailored care plan and decides when they receive care to how involved/social they want to be in the community. We also offer white linen service which means that the respite resident doesn’t have any stress of daily chores and has all the time to focus on recovering and recuperating.
4. Companionship and social activities: With the diversional therapist curating a diverse and interesting social calendar of activities, this is available for respite residents to get involved with if they so choose. There is a range of options to suit different people with the focus on getting them involved with the community.
5. High quality food: Something that really sets Glengara Care apart is the food experience. Chef-prepared, nutritious and delicious food is served every day. Seasonal, fresh and balanced recipes will definitely impress any respite residents. Our residents can choose to eat in the dining room or in the privacy of their care apartment.
6. Access to facilities: There is so much on offer within the established Glengara Retirement Village that respite residents are able to access. From the onsite coffee shop to the swimming pool. Residents can invite their families to spend the day with them while using the facilities.

If you’re considering respite care for yourself or a loved one, talk to us and see if Glengara Care is right for you.

Find out more about the Glengara Care

Call our friendly team on 1800 955 070

Australia’s property boom, along with the Central Coast being a highly desirable location, is driving demand for local retirement villas.

RetireAustralia expects the release of 12 retirement villas at Forresters Beach will sell fast with a waitlist already growing.

RetireAustralia’s CEO Brett Robinson said there were 25 people already on the waitlist and two deposits had been secured.

“The property boom most certainly will play a key factor in the overall sell, but what we have seen in the past and at this present moment is the villas at Forresters Beach are incredibly popular; we’re consistently getting enquiries about this village,” Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson said the last release of new villas was in 2017 when 158 villas sold within 24 months – an average of 6 – 7 villas each month. There has been a steady interest in this village, with over 175 enquiries in the past 12 months. However, only 15 villas have been available for sale in the past three years.

“The enquiries we are getting about Forresters Beach reflects the standard of services and amenities available at the village which is magnificently set around a network of lakes.

“Our Home Care Services for instance, offers residents a number of opportunities including household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing and medication support to name a few. It’s the perfect setting for residents to live life on their terms.”

The latest, and second last, release of 12 premium villas at Forresters Beach is worth $10 million.

When the project is complete, the retirement village will cater for 450 residents.

Mr Robinson said it was a proud moment to see the project’s evolution come to fruition following a 20-year period.

“It’s really exciting to see the village’s growth after the first Development Approval was granted back in 2002.”

Mr Robinson said the Forresters Beach villas, which ranged in price between $550,000 and $950,000, were also favourable because of its ‘beautiful neighbourhood character’.

“No two villas are the same and each one is beautifully fitted; it’s the simplicity of the design that makes it really attractive to residents.

“The best part is that the village is close to beaches, boutique shopping, charming cafes and is just a short walk to Wyrrabalong National Park’s coastal trails and lookout with sweeping views.”

ENDS

Marjorie celebrating her 100th birthday with close family and friends

A special milestone

The much-loved Marjorie is about to become the first Glengara resident to reach 100 at the village.

Marjorie, affectionately known as Marj, is well-known at the village where she has enjoyed living for the past 18 years, and most days can be found out having tea and going for walks with her friends.

A birthday celebration is planned, with 170 Glengara residents to celebrate Marj’s special milestone at an afternoon tea at Glengara’s Country Club on Friday 11 February, which will be attended by local state member David Mehan. There will be a beautiful birthday cake, although a fire extinguisher may be needed to help blow out all the candles!

Marj will return to the club for a lunch on Saturday 12 February, her actual birthday, to celebrate with close family and friends.

An interesting life

Born in Tamworth, Marjorie Ellen Male (nee Scott) has led an interesting life. She’s lived through World War II, the Korean War and Great Depression, and experienced Australian life before electricity, TV and talkback radio.

Marjorie grew up in a farmhouse that wasn’t connected to electricity until 1932. When she was a young child, her family used Aladdin lamps for light and ice chests for refrigeration.

Marjorie’s father farmed wheat and sheep, and although her family was self-sufficient on the farm during the Great Depression they often had ‘swaggies’ come to the farm door asking to work in exchange for food.

During her primary school years, Marjorie rode a horse to the Currabubula School which was 8kms from the family farm.  To attend high school in Tamworth, she was driven 2.5km to an unmanned railway station and, alongside her two cousins, would flag down the steam train by waving a disc to catch the driver’s attention.

She studied at the Tamworth Metropolitan Business College and worked at the Commonwealth Bank until she married Jim Male on March 18, 1944.

Marjorie met and fell in love with Jim when he was based at Tamworth during World War II, and they had three children together.

They enjoyed 30 wonderful years in Wollongong, where Jim was a bank branch manager. After Jim had a couple of falls at their two-storey home they realised it was time to move to more suitable accommodation.

Calling Glengara home

They had just spent Christmas at Wamberal and visited a friend who lived at Glengara Retirement Village, and decided it suited them down to the ground. They moved into a villa in 2004 and made new friends together. Marjorie has seen Glengara transform over the years, with the construction of the Country Club, care apartments and more villas. She is the first resident to turn 100 while living there.

Asked how she feels about her big milestone, Marjorie said:

“I feel very grateful, full of happiness. I was married for 68 years. Jim died in 2012. I still have my children, one at Wamberal, one at Wollongong and the other at Dubbo. I am happy in my home with my friends and all that life at Glengara gives me.”

In recent years, media investigations have sadly revealed systematic failures in the aged care industry, and highlighted that quality care has been sorely lacking in some cases. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has shone a light on several shortfalls in the current care provided to many elderly people across Australia.

However, the retirement sector is an entirely different industry, and caters for residents who are independent, active, and social.

So what is a retirement village and how is it different from aged care?

First, let’s backtrack a little and clarify what a retirement village actually is.

Retirement villages are residential communities designed for people who are generally over the age of 65 and retired from full-time work. Plenty of residents continue to work and volunteer while enjoying village life.

In contrast, aged care facilities cater for those who need full-time care and can no longer live independently. They are funded by both the Australian Government and the residents themselves. Residents often require 24/7 assistance with health management and personal care, such as dressing, showering, medication management, and cooking.

Moving into aged care is rarely a choice: it often occurs following a significant health incident or when it’s considered necessary for one’s health and safety.

Now let’s address some further misconceptions about retirement villages.

Fact versus fiction: my lifestyle will be restricted

Some people fear that life in a retirement village is restricted, but nothing could be further from the truth.

You’re welcome to join in a range of social events and activities but there’s no pressure to do so. You can come and go as you please, and have family and friends stay with you. Many retirement villages also welcome pets.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of facilities – these vary depending on the village you choose but can include a swimming pool, gym, tennis court, bowling green, hair salon, community centre, billiards room and library.

Fact versus fiction: I will be surrounded by people who lack independence

Unless recovering from illness or injury, the vast majority of our residents are physically independent and socially active. On the flip side, we’re there if you need extra support. All villages have a 24-hour emergency call system, and many of our villages have access to home care and supported serviced apartments.

Fact versus fiction: I will be cut off from the outside world

Many of our villages are gated for extra security and peace of mind. But this doesn’t mean you’re cut off from the broader community. Rather, we encourage our residents to maintain ties and connections outside the village, whether this be with community groups, volunteer work, friends, family, hobbies, church, gym or part-time work.

Most of our villages are close to public transport and well placed to explore the community outside. Many villages also have a private bus and take regular trips to foster connections, experiences and memories outside the village itself.

But what if my care needs change?

RetireAustralia promotes a ‘village for life’ philosophy, and at selected villages across New South Wales and South Australia, we provide a range of living options. This means you can stay in the village you’ve come to know and love, even as your needs change.

You may choose to move into an independent living unit and spend many happy years enjoying the lifestyle and community. Then, if things change and you need additional support, you can move into a serviced apartment where meals, cleaning and laundry are all taken care of. You’re still living independently, and not in aged care. You get the best of both worlds: care when you need it, on your terms. You’ll also be in a home and community you love, within familiar surroundings, and with your friends close by.

Get the facts about retirement village living

February is Heart Health Month – the perfect time to raise awareness about heart disease and share a few heart-healthy tips for retirees. No matter your age, you can help prevent heart disease and lower your risk of a heart attack by embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Heart disease is a broad term for many heart-related problems or conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. It is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

There is no one cause of heart disease, but some lifestyle factors and medical conditions might increase your risk of developing it. Heart disease can lead to chronic health problems that require ongoing or lifelong care.

The good news is that many cases of heart disease, no matter your age, can be prevented by simply adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.

How do you keep your heart healthy?

1. Follow a heart-healthy diet

Eating a well-balanced diet can improve your concentration and help to prevent a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease. Consider a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and healthy fats and oils. Avoid too many processed foods, unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar.

Selected RetireAustralia villages offer freshly prepared, well balanced, nutritional meals, making it easy for you to eat well.

2. Move more

Keeping active can help control common heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It also helps to strengthen our bones and muscles and best of all it makes us feel good!

Moving more or exercising doesn’t mean you need to join a gym. Retirement villages are hubs of social activity. Check out your village activities calendar for low impact activities like walking, aqua aerobics, zumba, yoga, pilates and tai chi. It is much easier to stay motivated when you exercise with someone else.

Locate your nearest RetireAustralia community and see what activities they have on offer.

3. Quit smoking

Smoking damages the blood vessels leading to your heart, brain and other parts of your body. It also reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. The best thing you can do for your heart health, and the people around you, is to quit. The good news is the risks to your heart will start to decrease if you do.

4. Monitor your cholesterol

Our bodies need cholesterol to function. But too much of the wrong type of cholesterol can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.

The first step to monitoring your cholesterol is to find out what your blood cholesterol levels are. Do this when you next visit your doctor. If your cholesterol levels are outside the normal range, your doctor will be able to advise you on an appropriate treatment plan, which might include dietary changes, exercise or medication.

5. Monitor your blood pressure

As we age, the chance of having high blood pressure increases. If your blood pressure is high over a long period of time, it puts you at greater risk of heart disease. As there are often no visible symptoms of high blood pressure, the only way of knowing, is by having your blood pressure checked regularly by a qualified health professional.

You can help keep your blood pressure in check by reducing your sodium (salt) intake, exercising and limiting your alcohol consumption.

After more information on heart health?

If you are worried about your heart health, visit your doctor for a heart health check. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and make a plan for you to manage them effectively.

If you are interested in finding out more about heart health and ways you can keep your heart healthy, visit the Heart Foundation website.

Find a community that warms your heart and keeps it healthy

Not only is Tarragindi home to a close-knit and friendly community, it is also home to the 260-hectare Toohey Forest, and it’s a mere eight kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. It’s no wonder the stylish and leafy suburb is loved by families and professionals. And discerning retirees are getting in on the good life, by securing their place in Tarragindi’s first retirement community which is set to open in mid 2023.

Whether you’re a Tarragindi local wanting to stay in your desirable, tree-line neighbourhood, or simply ready for retirement and looking for a tree change close to Brisbane’s CBD, you’ve made the right decision selecting The Green Tarragindi for your next chapter.

Here are five reasons why you can live the good life, both now and in the future, at The Green:

1. Stay connected with old friends and make new ones

Tarragindi locals and new comers alike will love the convenient location of The Green which is close to parks, restaurants, shops and health amenities.

Whether you enjoy starting the day with a solitary early morning walk in one of the many green spaces on your doorstep, or sharing a cup of coffee with close friends in a trendy local café, you’re guaranteed to be able to live life your way with everything you could need right at your fingertips. And, if you’re looking to make new friends and connect with like-minded neighbours, The Green’s social calendar and numerous community amenities will help you on your way.

Tarragindi’s first retirement community has been specifically designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, with extensive community facilities, beautiful landscaped gardens and plentiful opportunities for casual interactions with your neighbours and friends. It is going to be a unique community where you can make yourself at home and find like-minded people, where you can relax in the privacy of your own apartment, get out and enjoy the thriving local area, or make use of the village’s first class facilities and activities whenever you like.

2. Your family will love The Green

Each of the 11 different apartment layouts has been purposefully designed to offer contemporary, open plan living with plenty of light filled space that is perfect for whiling away the day in solitude or entertaining your family.

With high end fixtures and fittings, plenty of room for visitors, and views of the Brisbane skyline or Toohey Forest, your family will love your new home as much as you do. What’s more, with 70 percent of the site dedicated to open space, you’ll be able to entertain your family and socialise with friends in the residents lounge, cinema, communal barbeque area, private dining area, championship bowling green and beautiful gardens.

In fact we’re confident that your home at The Green will be the centre of many family gatherings for years to come.

3. Bring your pet

The Green has been designed to embrace all the things that bring you joy – like living with a beloved pet who can make your home complete. We care about the important connection and companionship pets provide, that’s why we welcome four legged friends. Better still, they will be able to make new friends at the Shaftsbury Street dog park which is just a few minutes away.

4. Lift your bowls game and stimulate your social life

The Green will adjoin the rejuvenated Tarragindi Bowls Club, which is being bought back to life as Australia’s newest, 10-rink championship-quality bowling green. A much-loved local facility, care is being taken to restore this thriving club and make it open and accessible to all.

With all residents of the retirement community enjoying a free  membership to the Tarragindi Bowls Club, it will be your go-to place to fill up on fun, catch up with friends and family and enjoy great food. So whether you take bowls seriously or you just seriously want to have fun, you’ll be able to socialise over a friendly bowls match or establish your legendary status as a fierce competitor on the lawn.

Whatever the days hold, the club will be there for your daily caffeine fix and leisurely meals. Or you can meet at sunset with your neighbours for afternoon drinks.

5. The right care for you, at any stage, now and in the future

It’s reassuring to know that at The Green there will always be someone looking out for you, whether it’s a friendly neighbour or a caring member of staff.

Tailored technology solutions are being seamlessly incorporated into the apartments to help you stay connected and access care and health services if you ever need them. Emergency support at The Green will be available 24/7 and you will also be able to access professional home care services on your terms.

While the apartments offer individual, private spaces, together they form a safe and secure community where you have the freedom to live life your way, with the peace of mind that there is always someone who cares and someone to look out for you.

We look forward to welcoming you into your new apartment in mid 2023!

78-year-old Del Marsh grew up in Sydney in a family of four children; older sisters Jill and Evon and, younger brother Joe. Admittedly the more straightlaced of her siblings, Del was a devout churchgoer who, at 17-years-old, met the love of her life, John Marsh. The couple were married in 1962, with Evon by her side as her bridesmaid.

Reservations about retirement living

Over the next five decades, Del and John worked hard, raised two children, and made the most out of life with a vivacity that belied their years. So, when John let Del know he wanted to move into a retirement village, she was stunned.

“My husband wanted to move into a retirement village, but I didn’t. I thought I was too young and that retirement villages were just for old people!” said Del.

It wasn’t just the thought of living alongside a sea of grey hair that deterred Del. She was concerned about losing the luxury of space she had in her family home, as well as the thought of having to say goodbye to her beagle, Billy.

But John was persistent. And in the end, Del was delighted as he was. After touring a few local villages, the couple were drawn to Wellington Manor Retirement Village and made the move in 2014.

“I was concerned about downsizing into a smaller home. But I’m very happy with my two-bedroom villa. It’s very spacious, has a lovely private outdoor area, and I enjoy living in it very much.

“The good thing also about moving into this village, is that you can bring your pet. We’ve got a lot of pets in the village,” said Del.

Del, who still works as an accountant one day a week, also made sure the couple did their homework when it came to the financials.

“For us, there were no hidden costs. We took our contract to our solicitor and had it fully explained to us. So we knew exactly what we were doing. We knew that it wasn’t an investment financially, it was an investment in our future way of life,” said Del.

It’s a way of life that Del never expected to bring her so much joy. With plenty of activities on offer including croquet, bowls, table tennis and billiards, as well as regular social get-togethers and happy hours, life for Del is anything but quiet.

“I think maybe some people might think, that when they’re nearing the end of their life, they’ll spend it in the quietness of the village. But you can do as much as you want to do, there is so much going on in the village.

“You don’t have to worry about mowing the yard, doing the garden. John’s favourite thing was the sound of the lawnmower outside and he wasn’t having to push it,” jokes Del.

Del and John spent 18 wonderful months together in Wellington Manor before he suddenly passed away in 2016.

“That was a very difficult time because you’re a partnership and then all of a sudden you’re just you. I was half of something for so long and then… it was just me,” said Del.

Del was heartbroken. The life she’d imagined together in their older years had abruptly come to an end. But as fate would have it, a familiar face was to move in next door and help Del on the path to feeling whole again.

Simply meant to be

Del’s 80-year-old sister, Evon Hall, had lived in Sydney for 40 years managing the family’s trucking business before her husband Ken passed away in 2015.

After hearing of John’s passing, and missing her own partner of 63 years, she felt a magnetic pull to be with her sister. Evon decided it was time to pack up her home in the Blue Mountains and move to Queensland.

Remarkably, the villa next door to Del’s became available just as Evon’s house sold. Not only would the sisters be living in the same retirement community, they would be neighbours. It was simply meant to be.

“I’m extremely lucky because I have my sister right next door and she’s a very fun person. We get on so well, so we are always doing things together.

“We go to the pictures, we go shopping, we like to go out for coffee and explore different local coffee shops, and we like to eat out. Once a month we have morning tea, for people to gather and have a chat. We go to bowls twice a week here.

“We look at each other at least once a week and say ‘how lucky are we to be living in this lovely place’,” said Del.

Safety, security and support

After losing John, Del’s priorities for village life changed. Safety and security skyrocketed to the top of her list, as well as the ability to access care and support in the future, giving her – and her family – peace of mind.

“Security is top of my list and I really do feel safe here. It’s not just about gates and alarms, it’s about having people around you who look out for you.

“Your children don’t have to worry about you so much. They know that you are in a safe environment,” said Del.

And while Del and Evon are fighting fit at the moment, they’re comforted to know that help will be available on their doorstep if the time comes.

“We’re very fit right now, but I’m sure we will get to a stage where we’re doddery. We have talked about a time when maybe we can’t look after ourselves but I think we are in the perfect place for that because they are introducing home care in the village.

“It’s amazing to think we can stay here in our home and get care right here,” said Del.

A lovely place to live your next chapter

After chalking up seven years at Wellington Manor, Del has now wholeheartedly changed her opinion on retirement living.

“One of the reasons that I didn’t want to move into the village, I looked in on a sea of grey heads and I thought ‘no, no, no, no, I’m not ready for that’ and guess what, I’m now in there playing Hoy with those other people, even though I may not have grey hair myself.

“Really, it’s just a lovely place to live your older years. You might find you’re busier than you’ve ever been,” said Del.

Del admits she’s a different person to who she was before John passed away and is still on a journey to find out who she is without her other half.

“You think of your partner every single day, and you miss them every day, but you do have to start a new life,” said Del.

With sister Evon by her side, and the village community around her, Del has been able to live her life at Wellington Manor with a renewed sense of purpose.

“I think my purpose in life at the moment is to make the most of my life. I want my family to see me as a happy, strong person.

“My life here is so different, it’s just another chapter in my life and it’s a good chapter,” said Del.

Find a community where you can make the most out the next chapter.

Retirement villages tours

Touring a retirement village is the ideal way to experience the community first hand and to discover what village life is really like. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for you to ask lots of questions and to see if it is somewhere you would like to call home.

During a village tour, you will spend time with the Sales Consultant and the Village Manager, and you’ll meet residents too. It is your chance to gather information, inspect properties, review costs and inclusions, tour the amenities and explore the community.

But, what questions do you ask while you are there? To help you out, we have put together a list of the top questions you should ask on a village tour so you can make an informed decision about where you choose to call home for life’s next chapter.

Do retirement villages allow pets?

A good question to ask on a village tour is if the community is pet friendly? You wouldn’t want to move into your new home to find out your furry little friend can’t come with you.

Thankfully, you will find many retirement villages are pet friendly. In fact, at RetireAustralia, we consider pets to be part of the family, and they are welcome to move in with their owners at the majority of our retirement villages. You can view which RetireAustralia communities welcome pets here.

If the village you are exploring is pet friendly, it is worth asking if there are any restrictions on pets, for example, their size and how many pets you can have.

What are the entry fees for retirement villages?

It’s really important to get a strong handle on the financial side of moving into a retirement village. And a good place to start is understanding what the entry costs are and what you get for your money.

The entry payment is the upfront price you pay to live in your home in a retirement village on a long-term lease (usually 99 years). The amount will depend on the size, style and location of your chosen home.

In a RetireAustralia community, the entry fee is generally 80% of the median house price in the local area. This helps make your move into a village more affordable and leaves you with more funds to enjoy life after you move into the village.

You should also ask if there is a cooling off period or any change of mind assurances. This will give you peace of mind that you have a get out clause should you decide that retirement village living is really not for you. In our experience, very few residents look back after they move in, nevertheless it’s important to know you have this security.

Having this information upfront means you won’t have any surprises after you move in.

Do you pay any fees while you live in a retirement village?

Monthly service charges – also known as recurrent charges, general services charge, weekly/ monthly fees or the service fee – cover the cost of shared facilities and services.

Typically this covers things like council and water rates, building insurance, maintenance, staff, a 24-hour emergency call system and access to communal facilities.

By law operators are not allowed to make a profit from these charges which are set at cost-recovery only.

So that you know exactly what costs you may need to consider in your budget ask questions like:

• What are the services fees?
• Are they charged fortnightly or monthly?
• What do they cover?
• What don’t they cover?

What are exit fees in retirement communities?

A deferred management fee, or exit fee, is payable when you leave the village. This keeps entry prices as competitive as possible, leaving you with more funds to enjoy retirement.

The exit fee is effectively ‘an enjoy now, pay later’ scheme, which helps reduce the cost of moving into a retirement village. It covers the operator’s initial investment in the village and funds capital replacement works and village upgrades. In short, it helps ensure that all residents have access to quality facilities and amenities while they’re living in the village.

We know you are only just considering moving in, so you’re probably wondering why even worry about the details of moving out? Well, it’s really important that you have all the facts before you move in so you can rest easy knowing exactly what you will need to pay at every stage.

To get the financial clarity you need, ask questions like:

• How much is the exit fee?
• How is the exit fee worked out?
• What does it cover?
•  Do you help prepare my home for sale?
• Do you offer a guaranteed buyback if my home isn’t sold in a certain timeframe?

At RetireAustralia, we understand you need certainty about your financial future. Our sales contract offers a simplified financial process and a high level of financial clarity at every stage. So from the day you move in, you’ll be able to calculate how much you will receive when you leave the village.  You can even download a copy of our sales contract brochure here.

What is it like living in a retirement village?

This is a good question! One of the benefits of living in a retirement village is the sense of community and being able to form connections with people at the same stage of life.

Your village tour guide is likely to tell you that all the residents are lovely, everyone gets along, and there is a strong sense of community. While this might be the case in some retirement communities, it may not be in others. To get the inside scoop, ask to speak with an existing resident or two.

Speaking with residents can provide you with a different perspective on what it is like living in a retirement village. They may also be able to share with you what they like most about the community and what you might want to watch out for or look forward to.

For an honest perspective on what life is really like in a retirement village, find out what residents Del and Evon have to say.

What type of accommodation does the village offer?

Accommodation in a retirement village can range from a one-bedroom unit to a three-bedroom villa that can be semi-detached or stand-alone.  And, depending on the community you are visiting, the accommodation might be part of a broad-acre community or a new vertical village, or both.

Ultimately, the type of accommodation you choose really comes down to your needs and the village you are exploring. Maybe you are after an independent living unit where you can enjoy your freedom and independence, knowing you have the safety net of a secure like-minded community. Or perhaps, you need a little extra care and support and would prefer a serviced apartment.

In addition to the type of accommodation available, you might want to ask your guide about the specific age-friendly features available, for example, spacious open plan living, ovens and kitchens set at waist height and wider hallways and door openings.

If you can, ask to tour the different types of accommodation so you can make some comparisons about what will best suit your needs. With so many choices available, you might even want to take some notes so you can refer to them again later.

What care services are available if I need them?

To maintain your independence and continue doing the things you love in your own home, at some point, you may need a little extra care and support. Anticipating your future care needs can be tricky as we don’t always know what the future will hold, so ask questions like:

• Do you offer in-home care services?
• What services can in-home care include?
• Who provides these services?
• Is there a 24-hour emergency call system?
• If my care needs change, or I need a little more support, is there an option to transition into a serviced apartment in the same village, or to increase support in my own home?

Finding out about the care and support services available in the village can give you peace of mind that you can stay living independently in a community you know and love for longer.

What are my retirement village ownership rights?

Buying into a retirement village is a big financial decision, so you will want to ask about your ownership rights.

The two main types of retirement village ownership rights are leasehold and strata title.

A leasehold agreement means the retirement village operator owns the land and the unit, while you acquire the right to reside in your home for the duration of a long-term lease, generally 99 years. Your tenancy is secure for as long as you want to stay. The upshot of this is that you won’t need to pay stamp duty, which is generally one of the biggest upfront costs when buying a property.

A freehold strata title agreement means you own your home and share ownership of common facilities and land with your fellow residents. Under this ownership model, you’re required to pay the costs associated with this ownership – including stamp duty and ongoing strata fees.

You can learn more about how costs and ownership work in a RetireAustralia village here.

What is the security like at this retirement village?

If safety and security is important to you, ask your guide about the security measures available in the village. Ask questions like:

• Does the retirement village have a gated entrance?
• Are there security cameras or an alarm system?
• Is there a 24-hour emergency call system?

One of the benefits of living in a retirement village is the sense of community and knowing there is always someone looking out for you, always someone who cares. This provides residents with security and peace of mind.

Are guests allowed?

Another great question to ask on a village tour is if guests are allowed? After all, you are likely to want visitors and guests to come and visit you in your new home.

In a RetireAustralia community, we want you to feel at home and we encourage family and friends to visit and stay overnight if that suits you. Different villages have different rules, so it is best to ask if guests are welcome and if there are any parameters around how long they can stay and if they can use communal facilities while they are visiting.

What are the retirement village’s facilities?

Living in a retirement community generally means having access to a wide range of facilities, activities and events. The facilities in a retirement village may include a library, swimming pool, gym, barbecue area, bar, workshop, billiards room, bowls green, tennis court, craft room, hairdressing salon, medical consulting room, community centre and a restaurant or café.

If there are particular facilities, activities or events you are looking to have in your new community, be sure to ask your tour guide if they are available and if you can check them out.

How close is the retirement village to shops medical services and transport?

When touring a retirement community, you might be focused on what is available inside the village. However, you should also consider the amenities and facilities available in the local area. Ask questions like, how close is the village to:

• Public transport?
• Supermarkets?
• Medical facilities?
• Social hubs, shopping centres and restaurants?
• Parks, gardens and green spaces?

Your village guide can advise how far you are away from the local amenities and the best way to get there, whether it is a short walk, drive or bus ride.  If you are not familiar with the local area, see if they can mark these on a map so you can familiarise yourself with them later.

Want to go on a tour?

If you’re considering making the move into a retirement community, the next step is to organise a tour. If there are several retirement villages in your chosen area, why not visit all of them, and get a feel for each one.

Armed with this helpful list of questions to ask on a village tour you will be able to gather the facts you need to make an informed decision about the next place you choose to call home.

Find your nearest RetireAustralia community and book a tour today!

It’s The Verge’s first Christmas and there’s magic in the air.

In keeping with the retirement community’s vibrant and social vibe, Village Manager Carolyn Verner has been working around the clock with her team to ensure residents have an unforgettable festive experience.

“This is our first Christmas, so we are pulling out all stops and celebrating big,” Carolyn said.

Tis the season of coming together

Carolyn said it was important to have plenty of fun-filled and interactive events to bring residents together and form new friendships.

“The Verge is such an incredibly friendly and supportive community and so we wanted to honour that by creating these events that not only build on that vibrancy but also allow residents to form new bonds in exciting ways,” she said.

“We pride ourselves on being a really tight-knit community; so, it’s really important to me to make them (residents) smile, make them feel welcome and make them feel comfortable in a safe and social community.”

When Christmas comes to The Verge

Since the start of the festive season, Carolyn and her team have been busy with Christmas and residents have been involved too.

“At The Verge we are one big family. The residents are very independent and love taking on tasks,” Carolyn said.

“We got residents Santa hats and they went on their merry way – decorating the Wellness Centre and Jasmine House. There was so much laughter in the air. We had an absolute ball.

“Then the rain came, and we had to stop. But that’s okay because we still managed to get our Christmas tree up and all the lights done the next day with even more laughter.”

Here we come a–carolling

The Verge held its inaugural Carols by Candlelight earlier this month welcoming its first star entertainer of the year to the village, Ian Johnson.

Carolyn said the day was a huge hit with residents bopping to old-time classics and playing fun games including drawing Christmas-themed images on the back of paper plates, propped delicately on top of their heads.

Resident Pauline Dean said it was one of the most memorable events she had experienced.

“One of the best parts about living at The Verge is that you don’t feel like you are living in a retirement village,” Ms Dean said.

“It really feels like we are a group of really good friends enjoying each other’s company – living the good life now.

“To be able to have this much fun in a safe and social community is a great feeling.”

“All of our events and activities have been purposely designed to give residents the very best of social interaction and togetherness,” Carolyn said.

“With family and friends joining in on the celebrations, residents had the opportunity to go Christmas shopping at Robina Town Centre and they will get to go again to Stockland in Burleigh.

“Residents also had the opportunity for relaxing Coffee and Chat and Happy Hour – Drinks with egg nog and Christmas goodies on the balcony closing out an eventful week.”

Pauline said the events had given her the opportunity to form wonderful friendships.

“I have met some incredible people at The Verge and formed some really close friendships,” Ms Dean said.

“Some of the residents are new to retirement living so just meeting them for coffee and chat is the perfect welcome and setting for great, vibrant conversations.”

The all-important The Verge Christmas Lunch featured Lyric Mezza Soprano extraordinaire Amanda Hutton to the stage; while Christmas Eve will be an intimate affair with Christmas drinks.

“There are a lot of people here on their own who haven’t had anything to do with a retirement village before, so these events are all about bringing our residents together in a relaxed, safe setting to share stories and make memories,” Carolyn said.

“The Verge will round off the year with a New Year barbecue lunch.”

Interested in finding out more about The Verge? Book a Covid safe appointment with our friendly sales team by clicking here or calling 1800 955 070.

A home that grows with you.

To achieve this ambition, RetireAustralia collaborated with Stirling University – specialists in dementia and aging design principles. Based in the UK and with over 25 years of experience, Stirling provided an extensive report detailing recommendations to enable and promote all aspects of aging well to improve the lives of older Australians. While you may not be facing age related challenges today, the benefits of considered design can provide positive outcomes for all residents.

Home – there’s no place like it

There’s nothing like walking through your front door into a private and secure space—a space that has your fingerprint on it and all of the warmth and life you bring. In your Glengara Care apartment your home is all yours. Each apartment is designed with a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom, kitchenette and dining area, giving residents the freedom to entertain family and friends while also maintaining a level of privacy and ownership of their space.

Freedom and comfort summarise the design of Glengara Care. Residents choose if they want to dine in their own homes or enjoy the community café and restaurant. Large windows allow you to connect with the greenery outside while illuminating the clever, spacious layout on the inside and p. Premium fittings and finishes provide additional comfort and support inside the home.

This level of careful consideration shows a commitment and dedication to you, our residents. To create a home, not a just a room, where you can feel safe, comfortable and free now and for years to come. This commitment sets Glengara Care apart as a genuine alternative to aged care.

Stay longer in the home you love and live life your way

By truly understanding and considering age-related changes in the built environment, Glengara Care has been designed to adapt to the evolving care needs of residents. While you may not need care today, you can be confident that if you do in the future, you’ll be in safe hands.

In a Glengara aged care apartment your home is all yours, with secure, private spaces and freedom to entertain your family and friends. Entertain, rest easy or keep busy—it’s up to you. A foundational ambition for Glengara Care was to create a home that adapts to residents needs as they age and it’s been amazing to see how a well-designed, intentional space can help you to live beautifully and age well.

Our promise

Chief Operations Officer Simon Fawssett, sums up the promise of Glengara Care, one that encourages residents to live life their way, with health, support, purpose and connection:

“What we’ve created is a home – not a bedroom – and a community in which people feel like they’re part of a family… All too often, moving into aged care symbolises a chapter of life ending. A lot of the cherished moments – such as hosting family for a Sunday afternoon roast, hobbies and the things you’ve always done – just aren’t possible anymore in an aged care environment. At Glengara Care, we don’t think this has to be the way. Just because your care needs change, the way you live your life doesn’t need to as well.”

Where to from here?

RetireAustralia has helped thousands of Australians find a home that’s right for them both today and in the future. One of the best ways to see if Glengara Care is right for you is to take a tour and meet with your neighbours. There is also short-term respite care available, which can be a good way to experience everything on offer before making the move. You can book a tour here or call 1800 955 070 to speak with one of our caring team.

Ageing should not be about losing control, but about proactively keeping it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us along the journey.