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For over 65s the ‘r’ word can get complicated. Freedom, safety, independence and support are all important considerations when deciding what’s right for you and your loved ones. However, over 65s shouldn’t have to compromise in their retirement years. These shouldn’t be choices to make, but instead par for the course when planning your next move.
Choosing the right village, one that prioritises your experience and wellbeing, can bring fulfilment and happiness within reach. Luxury living, beautiful views and a coastal lifestyle shouldn’t come at the expense of care services and a supportive community. Times are changing and we can strive to reimagine retirement.
Beyond the importance of stunning views and world-class facilities, this year we have seen the strain social isolation can put on our wellbeing. “Social connection matters, especially as we age. Not only does it delay health problems related to ageing, but it provides us with happiness, security, support and a sense of purpose” says RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson.
“Our research shows that feeling secure is one of the key benefits of retirement village living, and The Verge, with its unique vertical design, takes this to a new level. It has been specifically designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents and provide the peace of mind that comes with living in a safe, secure and friendly environment.”
The Verge at Burleigh G.C., which overlooks the 10th tee of the Burleigh Golf Course, is now well advanced in construction. With the first residents anticipated to move in, every apartment has been designed for a low-maintenance lifestyle and optimised for ease of living and mobility, with layouts to suit over 65s both now and in the future. A selection of stylish and vibrant one plus study, two and three-bedroom apartments are now selling fast from $510,000.
Lorelei Bach, a local Gold Coast resident and future resident says, “The Verge at Burleigh G.C. has everything I need. Perfect location close to the beach, convenience, and lifestyle. It has all the benefits of apartment living, but with the advantages of a like-minded community of a similar age.“
Anyone moving into Glengara Care benefits from creating a home with the freedom to live life at their own pace in one of the Central Coast’s friendliest communities.
Receiving welcoming packs on arrival, our newest residents sample straight away some of the warm, inviting atmosphere our community is renowned for.
“Glengara Care was different from what I was expecting,’’ says Ron Cottle, one of our first residents.
“I was petrified when I first moved in because I thought it would be like a nursing home. But it’s not.
“It’s perfect here for me. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.’’
Like his neighbours at Glengara Care, Ron has put his own stamp on his new beautifully appointed and private apartment, with its spacious layout and its own private outdoor area overlooking the region’s renowned green surrounds.
For Ron, it’s home in the truest sense – a space where he has the freedom to entertain, rest or keep busy. He also benefits from support tailored for his specific needs.
In essence, it’s about continuing to life live to the full within a setting he loves while receiving the support he needs.
No wonder we’re overturning traditional notions of aged care at Glengara Care.
Residents can move in with their partner as well as a pet, with apartments offering the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom, kitchenette and outdoor space complemented with high level day-to-day living support, clinical services and community connection.
Ron is continuing to live life on his own terms, while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of Glengara while meeting and socialising with like-minded friends.
Friday evening “happy hours’’ at the village’s Country Club allow him to meet others and enjoy being part of the community.
He also regularly eats lunch and dinner in the community dining room and participates in activities.
“I am happy to do as I please. I join in when I feel up to it but I never feel pressured,” he said.
In every way, Glengara Care is far removed from the hospital-like environment Ron had initially associated with aged care.
Perhaps the major concern for seniors and their families about aged care is that it is a clinical environment with inadequate staff to resident ratios.
Glengara Care heralds a new standard of private aged care unlike anything else available in NSW by delivering an unmatched level of tailored care, as well as the freedom for residents to maintain their independence.
We have the highly trained staff and specialist equipment necessary for the individualised care of our residents.
Ron moved in a year ago after badly injuring his knees in a fall and realising he would need extra assistance as he went about his daily life.
“It was what I needed,’’ said Ron, who was previously living at RetireAustralia’s Forresters Beach community.
Although he loved his home at Foresters Beach he decided to move into Glengara Care, where he could benefit from a care plan specially tailored to his needs.
“My loss of mobility meant that I required more care,’’ said Ron. “And when it came to moving from Forresters Beach into Glengara Care, RetireAustralia looked after me very well.’’
Nestled with within Glengara Retirement Village, you can spend your days out and about, enjoying the excellent village amenities and social activities.
There’s also the peace of mind that accompanies having an emergency response team on site 24 hours a day.
Meals are prepared by a professional chef and a personalised care plan is tailored for each and every resident, designed to change as you needs alter. You can transition from low to high care, without having to move out of your apartment.
Ron said it was very important for him to remain within RetireAustralia when moving to a higher level of care.
“I know they treat you properly at RetireAustralia. I knew their reputation and didn’t want anyone else.
“I’m very happy here and would recommend the place to everyone.’’
To find out more information about Glengara Care and take advantage of the exclusive RetireAustralia resident offer, call 1800 955 070 or enquire here.
Scammers are using the spread of coronavirus to take advantage of people across Australia, and some are targeting retirees in particular. There’s been a surge in scam reports since May 2020, with over $23.5 million lost this year alone by over 65s. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to know what to look out for – so let’s talk about real-life examples so you can keep yourself, your finances and your personal identity safe.
In short, a scam is an attempt to trick you into handing over personal information. You could be targeted over the phone, by email, by text message, or via social media. A scammer will try to gain your trust and will often impersonate real and trusted organisations or people. They also try to create a sense of urgency and will play on your emotions. There are countless types of scams but we’ll go through three of the most common – phishing, hacking, and remote access scams.
Phishing is just what it sounds like, with scammers trying to ‘fish’ for your personal information.
How? Scammers will call, email or send you a text message. They will pretend to be from a reputable organisation or government agency.
Who? Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has received reports of scammers pretending to be from the Department of Health, MyGov, the Australian Taxation Office and Westpac, to name a few.
What to look out for?
Scammers use the latest technology to break (or ‘hack’) into your computer or mobile device. With almost 70% of older Australians now owning a smartphone, this is a key scam to look out for.
How? Scammers will email you, send you a social media message, or even target you via a pop-up ad. They will try to convince you to click on a link by offering an interesting news story or free download, movie or video.
As well as remaining cautious of emails, texts and social media messages, be aware that some scammers will initially target you via a phone call.
How? During COVID-19, over 50% of scams have so far originated with a phone call.
Who? Scammers will pretend to be from a reputable company like Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft. They will try to convince you that you a have a problem with your computer or internet, and may claim that your computer has been sending error messages, your computer has a virus or there’s a problem with your internet connection or phone line.
1. If you receive an unsolicited call or message asking for personal or financial details, don’t provide any information, even if they claim to be from a real organisation. A reputable organisation wouldn’t contact you out of the blue looking for personal information so don’t worry about appearing rude – it’s ok to hang up.
2. If you suspect you’ve received a scam message, contact the organisation directly to see if they sent it.
3. Never give personal, credit card or bank details over the phone to an unsolicited caller.
4. Don’t click on links in emails, texts or social media messages asking you to verify your details, even if it looks genuine and appears to come from a legitimate source.
5. Don’t open attachments in emails or social media messages from strangers.
6. Never follow a hyperlink to give personal or financial details. Instead, type the organisation address directly into your browser.
7. Keep your computer security up-to-date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a good firewall.
8. Change your passwords often, don’t write them down and don’t choose something that could be easily guessed. Use two-factor authentication for extra security.
9. Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from Telstra, the NBN or another trusted organisation.
10. When shopping online, look for https before the URL (rather than http) and a padlock icon in the address bar. This generally indicates a secure connection. However, be mindful that some sophisticated cybercriminals use https too, so this isn’t a failsafe check.
Register to receive alerts about recent online threats from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Take free courses through the Government’s Be Connected website, to learn more about avoiding scams, creating safe passwords, downloading documents from the internet safely, and paying safely online.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to Scamwatch. Scammers are sophisticated and it can be hard to tell a scam from the real thing.
The ACSC has further ideas for how you can protect yourself from further harm.
If a scammer has accessed your device, report it to ReportCyber and immediately let your bank know the situation, as they may be able to freeze your accounts temporarily.
The figures reinforce a recent RetireAustralia survey of 354 residents in 21 of its villages across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, where 83 per cent revealed they felt safer knowing there was always someone to look out for them.
In the South Australian villages, more than 90 per cent of residents surveyed felt that way.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said the survey affirmed the sense of safety and wellbeing that older Australians felt when living in a supportive and close-knit retirement community, exemplified by the friendly 500-strong community at Tea Tree Gardens.
“In addition to having experienced staff close at hand, being able to socialise with like-minded people can be an important advantage over feeling isolated and alone,” Dr Robinson said.
“Our community at Tea Tree Gardens features a particularly strong resident-led social calendar with more than 25 different interest groups and activities available.
“Our residents have been extremely creative in maintaining friendships and continuing to have fun while adhering to social distancing guidelines.’’
Dr Robinson said that the sudden uptick in sales was also due to residents believing now was a good time to downsize due to continued buoyancy of the Adelaide property market.
“Many of our new residents have told us that while they were keen to move into a retirement community, they wanted to ensure they could still achieve a good sale price on their existing homes,’’ he said.
New resident Glenyce Redding is among those who value the safety and security of retirement village living, and said it played a factor in her decision to buy into Tea Tree Gardens in August.
“Places such as Tea Tree Gardens have your best interests at heart. I feel safer and more secure here, where everyone gets to know each other’’ said Ms Redding, who relocated from a house in Surrey Downs, in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs.
“I got here after the first wave of COVID. What I have noticed is that people check up on each other to make sure they are OK.’’
Independent living units are currently priced from $305,000 for a two-bedroom home with a single car port to $370,000 for a large two bedroom home with adjoining garage.
Tea Tree Gardens is ideally located in a peaceful suburban setting close to shops, cafes and medical services. It also features a range of exclusive resident facilities including a community centre, pool, spa, lounge, library, hair salon, barbecue and recreational area along with a croquet green and a designated space for arts and crafts.
For more information on Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village, phone 1300 931 501 or call into the sales office at 1075 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
“This week, we received the welcome news that many of our regional Victorian families will be able to visit each other again. At Murray Gardens, we have grandparents who will finally get to see their new grandchildren born during the pandemic.
It is encouraging to see restrictions easing. Our small community has sought to play its part in reigning in the spread of Coronavirus, and we have observed firsthand the emotional pain and suffering experienced by our residents and their families as they have been forced to stay apart.
Now that we are seeing some reprieve, it is vital that we work together to maintain it. To keep the easing of restrictions on track we would like to send a message to all seniors and their families in our community that may need to travel to Melbourne for health reasons.
Please keep in mind when you are in Melbourne that hospital staff are under enormous pressure. They will not always be aware of the border conditions, and the restrictions that remain in place here to keep our vulnerable local population safe.
You may not receive an explicit directive from the hospital to self-isolate when you return to our community, but it is vital that you do. We can’t wait for you to come home, but when you do, please go straight home and into 14 days of isolation. Please don’t make a quick trip to the shops or bank on the way home.
We know country people are independent and don’t like asking for help, but this is one of those times when help is necessary. The supermarkets are all delivering, as are many of the pharmacies. Our local businesses are amazing and they want to support you. Just ring them and see how they can help.”
Demand for retirement village living in Tea Tree Gardens has surged in recent months, with many new residents saying they feel safer than being in the wider community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RetireAustralia’s Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village in Hope Valley has notched up 12 sales in the past four weeks, with almost all new arrivals relocating from the local surrounds.
The figures reinforce a new RetireAustralia survey of 354 residents in 21 of its villages across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, where 83 per cent revealed they felt safer knowing there was always someone to look out for them.
“In addition to having medical staff close at hand, being able to socialise with like-minded people can be an important advantage over feeling isolated and alone,” Dr Robinson said.
Independent living units are currently priced from $245,000 for a two-bedroom home with a single garage to $345,000 for three bedrooms, an ensuite and double car accommodation.
For more information on Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village, phone 1300 931 501, visit the website at www.retireaustralia.com.au/tea-tree-gardens or call into the sales office at 1075 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
ENDS
Our residents tell us they feel more relaxed knowing our highly trained staff are taking care of them at this time as well as keeping them connected with their families.
Key advantages include having access to care staff around the clock, being surrounded by like-minded people and still getting to enjoy the company of others and regular activities under appropriate social distancing guidelines.
There is also the sense of security that comes from being part of a controlled environment adhering to official health recommendations and not feeling isolated or living alone at home.
Resident Phyllis Goswell, who moved to Glengara Care after experiencing health issues, says she feels better knowing she is with RetireAustralia rather than living by herself.
“I feel safer here at Glengara Care while the pandemic is still going on,” said Phyllis.
“I know there are restrictions on visitors at this time, but we understand why these measures are necessary.”
Phyllis says she also still gets to enjoy the regular stimulation of a wide variety of activities at Glengara Care.
Care Manager Sharon Stuart Gray says the health and wellbeing of residents and staff is the number one priority.
“There is a range of measures specific to Glengara Care that have been implemented,” said Ms Stuart Gray.
“These cover not only stringent hygiene procedures for staff but special provisions for visitors as well as contractors and maintenance workers.
“Because these are comprehensive, the feedback we have from many of our residents is that they enjoy the peace of mind of living here rather than feeling isolated or having to travel into the wider community for everyday essentials.
“In addition, we have regular visits from GPs to Glengara Care. Our residents can receive medical attention without having to attend a doctor’s surgery, and our care team is on hand 24/7 to meet their needs.
“As social connection is always important for wellbeing, we are able to keep residents engaged with others through creative activities – all within the framework of appropriate social distancing.”
Families are welcome to visit residents of Glengara Care, with a range of safety measures in place.
RetireAustralia have been keeping a close eye on the guidelines and are hyper-compliant with restrictions. You can read more about our COVID-19 response here.
It is still imperative to find ways to stay connected.
In fact, maintaining regular human connection is more important than ever in difficult times.
Glengara Care is renowned for its community spirit and for residents feeling part of the RetireAustralia family.
We have a wide range of activities in place every day to ensure that residents can still be close emotionally, even while observing social distancing.
Activities range from craft, gardening and scrapbooking, to walking groups, trivia and happy hour, movie afternoons, baking, bingo and word games.
Residents also enjoy regular themed and costumed days. A recent tribute to France had many highlights including a specially prepared menu incorporating a sample of the world’s finest flavours from beef bourguignon to coq au vin, finished with apple tarte tatin and homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
To find out more information about Glengara Care, call 1800 955 070 or click here.
It’s unlikely that anyone would have predicted a relatively buoyant property market in the midst of a global pandemic but, with the exception of Victoria, that’s exactly what we’re seeing. This is prompting some retirees to consider their next move.
It’s important to look at the real estate market from a state-based perspective. In a nutshell, it’s a tale of two markets – a slow property market in Melbourne (and Sydney to a much lesser extent) and much more buoyancy elsewhere. According to the latest CoreLogic data, transaction activity – or the number of properties marketed and sold – slowed significantly in response to COVID-19 restrictions. However, this has less to do with property prices themselves, and much more to do with the flow-on effects of the restrictions, such as lower employment, a decline in consumer confidence and border closures.
Let’s look at the numbers to see how this played out from late July to late August. While Melbourne listings dipped by more than 50% and Sydney listings slowed slightly, it was a different story elsewhere. Most other capital cities saw an increase in new listings, buoyed by greater levels of consumer confidence and fewer COVID-19 cases in those communities.
Monthly change in new listings to 23 August 2020:
Source: CoreLogic
For Paul McAlpine, RetireAustralia’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing, these numbers aren’t surprising. Having worked in the property sector for more than 20 years, across both residential land sales and retirement living, Paul has seen his share of turbulent times – including the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on property prices.
“Unfortunately, Melbourne has been the epicentre of COVID-19 cases in Australia. This has had far-reaching economic impacts for the state, one of which is a downturn in its property market. However, this sentiment doesn’t translate across the country.
“Prices in many areas have remained strong, particularly in regional pockets, where some properties are selling for well above the listed price. That’s because areas with low to no community transmission have been able to continue as normal with property inspections and valuations.
“The relative stability in other states means that we’re seeing strong interest in our retirement villages across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Based on conversations with our Village Managers and new residents, we largely put this down to older Australians wanting to live independently, but with the safety and security of community living.”
As for what’s a good time to sell? “It’s impossible to predict what the market will do next, but there are strong signs outside Victoria,” said Paul. “Sydney just reported its busiest week for auctions since April and the national auction clearance rate was just a couple of percentage points off the rate 12 months ago.
“I think vendors should gain some confidence from the degree of market buoyancy in many parts of Australia. Consumer confidence is increasing and now might be the right time to consider making a move. I suggest doing your research and checking out sales in your area to gauge the strength and stability of your local market.”
“It’s no understatement to say that this year, we’ve seen the importance of community more than ever,” said Paul. “However, some older Australians might be concerned about financial uncertainty on top of economic instability.
“To alleviate this concern, we’re waiving all village fees for a year if you deposit on a new home before September 30. This gives our new residents a sense of security around finances, as well as the security of living in a welcoming community.”
If you’re interested in taking another look at retirement living, get in touch with one of our friendly sales consultants to discuss how we can help you make the move.
Demand for retirement village living in Albury has surged in recent months despite the COVID-19 pandemic as more senior Australians embrace the Murray River lifestyle.
RetireAustralia’s Murray Gardens Retirement Village in East Albury has notched up 14 sales in the past three months, with new arrivals mainly relocating from throughout New South Wales and Queensland.
More than 200 retirees already call the village home after downsizing to more age-friendly living with less maintenance and a better quality of life.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said new Murray Gardens residents were attracted by the renowned beauty and laidback lifestyle of Albury.
“The feedback we are getting from some new residents is that they have been spending more time on the internet since the pandemic and have discovered the excellent services and value for money in thriving provincial centres such as Albury,” Dr Robinson said.
“Albury has a lot to offer, and at Murray Gardens we are only a short walk from some of the best natural attractions of the region – including the famous Murray River and its stunning parklands.“Additionally, Murray Gardens is well known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and is perfect for retirees seeking a low maintenance lifestyle.
“Care staff are on site around the clock and residents are still able to socialise with like-minded people in a wide variety of activities under social distancing guidelines.
“This can be an important advantage over feeling isolated or living alone in a large home in the wider community, along with all the demands of regular maintenance.
“For further peace of mind, we also assisted residents with home delivery of groceries and everyday essentials including medical scripts during the general lockdown period.’’
Independent living units are currently priced from $279,000 for a two-bedroom home with a single garage to $375,000 for three bedrooms, an ensuite and double car accommodation.
Murray Gardens is ideally located in a peaceful suburban setting close to shops, cafes and the Albury Hospital as well as many of the district’s attractions including parks, wineries and restaurants. It also features a range of exclusive resident facilities including a community centre, auditorium, bar, lounge, library, hair salon, barbecue and recreational area along with a designated space for arts and crafts.
For more information on Murray Gardens Retirement Village, phone 1300 931 501, visit the website at www.retireaustralia.com.au/murray-gardens or call into the sales office at 36 Mountford Crescent, East Albury.
“Albury has a lot to offer, and at Murray Gardens we are only a short walk from some of the best natural attractions of the region – including the famous Murray River and its stunning parklands.
“Additionally, Murray Gardens is well known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and is perfect for retirees seeking a low maintenance lifestyle.
