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Downsizing: is it worth it?

Many people put off moving into a retirement village because they’re concerned about downsizing. But is this concern justified?

Often, the biggest concern with moving into a retirement village is downsizing – what does it entail, is it worth it, and do residents miss their old house or neighbourhood? Everyone’s experience is unique, but the comment we hear most often from residents is, ‘I wish I’d made the move sooner’. Here, we break down what’s involved in downsizing, the pros and cons, and how you can tackle the process.

1. Make a plan

First things first, make a plan. Look at the floor plan and dimensions of your new home and decide how much of your furniture will fit the space. If it feels hard to let things go, consider putting furniture or larger pieces in storage while your house is on the market. You might be surprised by how little you miss them during this process.

2. Clear the clutter

It’s amazing how much we accumulate over the years, and the prospect of sorting through a lifetime of possessions and memories might seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of handy tips to make the de-cluttering process easier:

  • Start early. By making decisions well in advance of your actual move date, you’ll have time to sort out what’s most important to you and what you can let go.
  • Set yourself up for success. Start with items you’re not emotionally attached to, like outdated paperwork, kitchen utensils, stationery supplies, clothes and linen. Once you’ve done this, you can work your way up to photos, books, and sentimental memorabilia.
  • Prioritise. Write a list of non-negotiables – items you absolutely can’t live without – and try to assess the rest of your possessions with a critical eye.
  • Keep your focus narrow. Don’t tackle the whole house at once, but deal with one room, cupboard or zone at a time.
  • Break it into bite-sized chunks. It’s far more effective to consistently set aside 15 minutes a day than attempt to sort through years of memories in one weekend.
  • Be honest. Ask yourself “do I need it, use it or love it?” Be honest with yourself and remember objects don’t have feelings.
  • Take photos. Consider taking photographs or videos of things that can’t go to your new home. It will preserve the memory without taking up any space.
  • Swap old for new. It’s still OK to buy new items but try adopting ‘the one in / one out’ rule. For example, if you buy a new set of wine glasses, donate the existing ones.
  • Remember why you’re doing this. Research shows that clutter can affect mental wellbeing and add to feelings of stress. On the flipside, clearing out things you no longer want or need can be intensely liberating.

3. Find a new home for what you don’t need

Once you’ve de-cluttered, you might be wondering what to do with all the belongings you’re not taking with you to your new apartment or villa. You could consider selling big-ticket items like a lawnmower, and giving other pieces to family or charity. Knowing that a much-loved item will have a new lease of life in someone else’s home might help you let it go – and emotionally prepare for the move.

4. Enlist help

This is likely to be one of the most important moves you make, and it’s far easier to tackle if you can share the load among many. Ask professionals, family or neighbours to lend a hand – either with de-cluttering, packing, moving or cleaning.

5. Look to the future

If the magnitude of the project feels overwhelming, focus on what you’re gaining, rather than what you’re leaving behind. If you’re unsure if this is the right decision, weigh up the pros and cons:

  • The process of de-cluttering can take an emotional toll, but it will also simplify your life. What’s more, it can make the process of moving house much more manageable. Less clutter means less packing, physical effort and expense.
  • Sorting through all your possessions is time-consuming, but could benefit you financially. Your real estate agent is more likely to get a great price for your house if it’s streamlined and clutter-free. If you’d like to know more about the process of selling a house, we’ve got you covered.
  • It might be hard to emotionally let go of your house and possessions, but think about what life in a retirement village will be like – no more gardening to worry about, or the need to maintain a property you’ve outgrown. There will also be a welcoming community, ample opportunities for social connection, and a raft of activities on offer.

If you have questions about downsizing, speak to our sales consultant at The Green Tarragindi. After all, they’ve seen many people go through the exact same process, and will be able to give you advice and point you in the right direction. They might even be able to connect you with residents who’ve recently made the move.

 

8 reasons to retire at The Green Tarragindi

Our newest retirement village The Green Tarragindi has received its certified Green star accreditation. Here are the top 8 reasons why.

1. Beautiful outlook

Soak up the natural beauty and serenity of The Green Tarragindi, a living oasis located nearby Toohey Forest and Shaftsbury Street parklands. Set within an inviting tree-lined neighbourhood, you have direct access to the best open space lifestyle on offer. Yet, you’re just 8km from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

The carefully-considered design of each of the apartments allows natural light to flood into the living room, bedroom areas and on the balcony.

2. Luxury apartments with age-friendly design

 

A premium retirement village, The Green offers 11 different apartment layouts, each with a design philosophy based on low-maintenance, private and secure living. The progressive and holistic apartments encourage you to live and age well, in a contemporary home built to support your needs, even as they change, making it perfect for now and ideal for later.

Interior layouts and finishes have been chosen to support your needs as they change over time. Tailored technology incorporated into the apartments are designed to help you stay connected, access care and health services or to simply enjoy your entertainment options. The apartments have been built and independently assessed to a standard far above the minimum in Australia while also catering to needs, such as hearing loss and visual impairment.

3. Care when you need it

At The Green, a professional home care team will be by your side, helping you access the care you need to meet your changing needs. From assistance with personal care and daily tasks, to transport for appointments or basic clinical care. Home Care packages are tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government-funded Home Care Package (HCP). We can even help you navigate HCP approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

Plus the people who love you can also rest easy, knowing each resident has access to a PERS (Personal Emergency Response Service), should you need it.

4. A connected location

The Green surrounds the re-vamped Tarragindi Bowls Club, a much-loved facility which has been bought back to life as the heart of this thriving community hub. All residents of The Green can enjoy free membership to the club, so it will be your go-to place to fill up on fun, catch up with friends or enjoy great food and coffee.

In the serene environment of the village you will feel a million miles away from it all, yet you have all your needs right on your doorstep. Including:

5. A supportive community

The Green is a place where care and community come together in a genuine way that enriches everyone’s lives. The community at The Green offers comfort and belonging in a place where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll experience all the care and support you need both now and in the future, whether life is going to plan or when the unexpected happens.

Our RetireAustralia team members, including an on-site village manager, will always be on hand to provide assistance if and when you require it.

6. First-class community facilities

At The Green, we have a range of premium facilities available for all our residents, so you’re able to connect with others and live life to the fullest. Our facilities include:

7. Safety and security

We understand safety and security are important priorities. Rest assured, you’ll quickly get the help you need, when you need it, with a personal emergency response system incorporated into your home at several nominated locations. Emergency support at The Green is available 24/7.

Outside, entry to the community is via a secure entrance with underground car parking. We’ve incorporated passive surveillance, lighting and security monitoring so you can enjoy all of the facilities with complete confidence.

8. Contract certainty

At RetireAustralia, we understand that retirees want financial clarity, certainty and confidence – particularly in a time of instability. That’s why The Green sales contract offers a simplified and clear financial process.

We want our residents and their families to have certainty from the very beginning so we specify upfront what the costs are, and what they cover. From the day you move in, you will know the outgoing payment you will receive when you leave The Green. The monthly service fees will be charged on a cost-recovery basis only and cannot be increased more than the Consumer Price Index without the approval of village residents.

To discover why The Green is the ultimate in retirement living and learn more about our unique community in the heart of Tarragindi, book an appointment to speak with our team today.

 

 

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Retirement villages: what are the costs

If you’re thinking of moving into a retirement village, there are lots of things to weigh up and money is one of the biggest considerations.

Payments – how much, when, and will they change over time?*

 

You’ll likely have lots of questions, not just about how much it will cost to move in but how much it will cost on an ongoing basis, and when it comes time to leave.

We understand you need certainty about your financial future, and that you might feel concerned about affordability and hidden costs. Let’s walk through each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect.

The Green Tarragindi Retirement Village will operate under a leasehold agreement where residents purchase a long-term lease to live in their home. This is the most common types of agreement in RetireAustralia villages.

Our sales contract offers financial clarity, certainty and peace of mind. We specify, upfront, which costs you’ll need to pay, and what they cover. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees you would need to pay for the duration of your stay in our brand-new leasehold community in Tarragindi.

 

Entry payment

Your entry payment gives you the right to reside in your new home on a long-term lease (usually 99 years).

Unlike most property transactions, you will not have to pay stamp duty on your apartment. This equates to a significant cost saving on entry.

 

General services charges

RetireAustralia makes no profit from village fees, which are charged on a cost-recovery basis and only increase in line with village costs.

Fees cover village operating costs including:

  • Council and water rates
  • Building insurance
  • Building and garden maintenance
  • 24-hour emergency call system
  • Village staff
  • Access to and upkeep of communal village facilities

For additional peace of mind, village finances are audited by an independent party each year.

 

Capped exit fee

The exit fee is payable when you leave the village and allows us to keep our entry prices as competitive as possible. This leaves you with more funds to enjoy life after you move into the village.

The exit fee is capped at 25% of your entry price and is stepped during your first five years in the village. There are no further increases after this period, no matter how long you stay. So from the day you move in, you’ll be able to calculate how much you will receive when you leave the village – making your future budgeting clear and predictable.

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

 

Exit entitlement example

As a prospective resident you can easily calculate your exit entitlement at any time, giving you financial certainty about your future.

 

What do I get for my money?

Our residents tell us that choosing to move into a retirement village is about far more than bricks and mortar. In reality, it’s an investment in you. You’ll be moving into a friendly community filled with people at the same stage of life, and you’ll have access to a range of amenities.

At The Green Tarragindi, this includes things like:

  • Community centre
  • Resident bar, lounge and private dining room
  • Championship grade bowling green
  • Cinema
  • Indoor and outdoor gyms
  • Yoga lawns
  • Workshop
  • BBQ/ recreation area
  • Gardens
  • Library
  • Consultation rooms for visiting health professionals

You can also get involved in a range of interest groups, social activities and events – it’s really up to you and the community.

What’s more, when you don’t need to worry about maintaining your home and garden, you’ll actually have time to explore new interests!

These intangible benefits are an important consideration, and should be weighed up alongside the financials. Moving into a retirement village is about so much more than the property. Residents tell us that the lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits enhance their quality of life immeasurably.

 

What if I change my mind?

We want you to feel secure and confident with your decision to move into a RetireAustralia village, so our contract includes disclosure, cooling-off and settling-in periods.

After you receive a Disclosure Package, you have 21 days before you can enter into a contract. We recommend you use this time to get independent advice before you sign on the dotted line.

What’s more, should you change your mind within 14 days of signing your contract, we’ll refund your deposit in full.

Further to this, if you decide The Green Tarragindi isn’t right for you within 90 days of moving in, we’ll repay your entry payment minus any accrued service charges, any reasonable costs incurred for renovations made at your request, and a pro-rata rental fee for your time in the village.

 

What if my care needs change?

At The Green Tarragindi you’ll find comfort and belonging in our community where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll experience the care and support you need now and in the future—when life is going to plan, and when it’s full of the unexpected.

A professional home care team will be by your side, helping you to access care and connection to meet your changing needs—from assistance with personal care and daily tasks, to transport for appointments or basic clinical care. Plus the people who love you can also rest easy, knowing each resident has access to a PERS (Personal Emergency Response Service), should you need it.

Home care packages are tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funded Home Care Package (HCP). We can even help you to apply for HCP approval through My Aged Care.

 

How can I compare the cost of living in a retirement village with other options?

A true cost of living comparison can only be obtained by spending time with a sales consultant in a village, talking through your circumstances and needs, and understanding the fees and inclusions in your chosen village. You also need to do your own homework and make sure you have an accurate picture of your current living expenses to make the comparison valid.

In a general sense, retirement villages offer great cost of living value but trying to put a specific dollar figure to this comparison can easily become misleading. Your own cost of living and those applicable to villages can vary substantially, so it’s best to check with your village of choice directly.

On top of the hard costs listed above, which village fees cover, the costs associated with living in a retirement village also provide residents with a sense of community and belonging, support from friends and staff, and numerous opportunities to lead a happy, active and healthy life.

Placing a value on these intangible benefits is very personal to each individual. To get more of an insight into what it is like to live in one of our retirement villages, take a look at some of our resident stories. Or read up on global research about the health benefits of retirement living.

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If you’d like peace of mind and clarity on the cost of your retirement home at The Green, please book your private appointment using the form below.

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27 June 2022

It’s time to talk about care

 

Whether we like it or not, most of us are going to require some form of care as we get older.

 

While many are weighing up the pros and cons of living at home versus the possibility of having to move into residential aged care one day, there’s another group who have discovered an alternative in a retirement village that provides an independent lifestyle with support when you need it.

At The Green Tarragindi, the focus is on offering an independent lifestyle with the right level of support to maintain a quality of life, so that residents can spend the rest of their lives in a community they are familiar with.

Residents in our other villages, tell us that the peace of mind that comes with being able to grow old in a community you are familiar with and which supports you is unbeatable. By continuing to live in your own home, regardless of age, or ability, you can maintain as much of your independence, comfort, and lifestyle as possible.

At The Green Tarragindi, no matter how life changes, you can feel confident and supported. Right now, you might have limited support needs or none at all. If that changes, our experienced team can offer a range of care options to meet your needs.

Tailored support, on your terms

Staying healthy, happy and active is so much easier when your home is the centre of a welcoming community with a vibrant social and activities calendar, excellent amenities and a convenient location with easy access to facilities outside the village.

At The Green Tarragindi, you’ll be able to age positively and live on your terms.

When you’re healthy, you can enjoy relaxing in a beautiful, maintenance-free and secure home with all the time and opportunity you need to enjoy the things you love with the people who matter most to you.

With time, your care needs may change – but that won’t mean you’ll stop wanting to live your life comfortably, in your own home, in a community you are familiar with – surrounded by family and friends and a team of familiar faces.

When that time comes, you can choose from a range of care and support services to meet your individual needs.

Home Care

Our Home Care services make life a little easier and give you peace of mind that, should your needs change, you can continue to stay safely in your own home for longer.

Our care team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few. Care is tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funded Home Care Package (HCP). We can even help you navigate HCP approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

 

 

“The loving care provided by Elizabeth, Pam and Cherie in assisting me with showering and making the bed, changing and laundering the linen, delivering an evening meal in all weather and even taking the bins out was more than 5 star service. I was being pampered back to health by these ‘care angels’ and my wife.” Norman, RetireAustralia Resident

Our on-site teams genuinely care about each and every resident and will be here for you through thick and thin, so you can live every day with confidence and options to choose from. You can feel confident with the familiar faces who will provide consistent care that you can count on.

Living at The Green Tarragindi you’ll experience our commitment to best practice and beyond, as we compassionately deliver quality care and support. You’ll always have the dignity of choice, allowing you to maintain control of the way your life unfolds.

The table below highlights the features of our independent living apartments, the role of our Care and Wellness Coordinator and the home care services available.

Find out more about how our care services could make your life easier at The Green Tarragindi.

 

 

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27 June 2022

Your top retirement living questions answered

What would you like to know about living in a retirement village? Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions.

 

What is a retirement village?

Retirement villages are residential communities designed specifically for older Australians who want the safety and security of living in a community, with the freedom to live independently. Some retirement villages also offer tailored care and support, making them a great option for people who want to make sure their care needs in the future are taken care of.

How do retirement villages differ from aged care?

While retirement villages are designed for independent retirees, aged care facilities cater for older Australians who need full-time care and can no longer live independently. Most aged care facilities focus on clinical-based care for older Australians who are unable to live independently in their own homes. People in retirement villages enjoy the benefits and privacy of having their own home, without the worry of day-to-day property maintenance or gardening, which are taken care of by village staff.

Residents in retirement villages also have access to a range of village facilities and are surrounded by like-minded people who engage in a wide range of social activities and events.

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. In contrast, moving into a retirement village should be a choice at a time in an individual’s life where they can benefit from all that retirement village living has offers.

Are retirement villages the same as land lease communities?

Also known as ‘over 55s lifestyle communities’, ‘manufactured home estates’ and ‘resort communities’, land lease communities are residential communities for older residents and offer many of the same benefits. They may look similar from the outside, but there are fundamental differences. For instance, land lease communities are legislated under the same laws as manufactured homes parks and caravan parks, so if the operator ceases to exist, your right to remain in your home isn’t protected. On the flipside, your right to abide in your home is protected in a retirement village, which operates under the Retirement Villages Act. For more information, see our article: Different retirement living options explained.

What’s it like to live in a retirement village?

Good question! Retirement villages are hubs of activity with ample opportunity for social connection. Facilities will vary by village, but you could have access to amenities like a swimming pool, community centre and library.

Best of all in a village you can live life on your terms, whether you want to socialise in the common areas or seek privacy in the sanctuary of your apartment, it’s all on offer for you. You can read what some of our residents think about village life.

Will I own my house?

The Green Tarragindi, our brand-new retirement community in Brisbane, will operate on a leasehold ownership agreement, which means RetireAustralia owns the land and the units, 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.

How much will it cost?

To increase financial certainty, we’ve made our contract for The Green as clear and transparent as possible. We specify, upfront, which costs you’ll need to pay, and what they cover. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees you’ll need to pay over the duration of your stay in our leasehold retirement village at The Green.

Entry payment
Your entry payment gives you the right to reside in your new home. This payment is relative to the local property market and demand for homes in the retirement community.

You will not have to pay stamp duty on your unit, leaving you with extra money in your pocket to enjoy while you’re settling in.

General services charges
These cover our operating costs, as well as council and water rates, building insurance, home and garden maintenance, upkeep of shared facilities, and support staff such as your Village Manager. By law, retirement village operators cannot profit from these fees which are charged on a cost-recovery basis and are regulated by the Queensland Retirement Villages Act.

Exit Fee or Deferred Management Fee*
When it comes time to leave The Green Tarragindi, you’ll receive an exit entitlement, which is the purchase price minus the exit fee (also known as the deferred management fee [DMF]). This is capped at 25% of your entry price and is stepped during your first five years in the village. There are no further increases after this period, no matter how long you stay.

By charging this on exit – rather than incorporating it into the purchase price – you’ll not only free up your cash flow, but find that your move into the village is much more affordable.

The DMF is the only fee that allows operators to reinvest back into villages through capital replacement works, ongoing maintenance of communal facilities, and village upgrades.  It also covers the refurbishment, sales and marketing costs of homes and the remainder is profit. This not only benefits you during your time in the village but also helps maintain the value of your home, which is important when it comes time to sell.

Can I live in a retirement village on a pension?

Absolutely. Many of our residents receive an age pension. Your eligibility largely depends on the size of the entry payment you make when you move into the village – also known as an entry contribution (EC), compared to the extra allowable amount (EAA). The government compares these figures to determine if you’re considered a home owner. If the entry payment is less than the EAA, you may be eligible for rent assistance. See the federal government’s ‘Social Security Guide’ for more information.

Can I rent in a retirement village?

We don’t currently offer the option to rent, but if affordability is a concern for you, please give us a call. We can talk you through our most cost-effective communities and see if we can find a home that suits your budget.

What happens if my care needs change?

If your needs change, you can rest easy knowing you can access care and support if you need it. At The Green you will be able to receive flexible care and support in your home from RetireAustralia’s Home Care team or a provider of your choice.

Our Home Care service makes life a little easier and gives you peace of mind that, should your needs change, you can continue to stay safely in your own home for longer. Our care team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few. Care is tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funded Home Care Package (HCP). We can even help you navigate HCP approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

Can visitors stay with me?

Absolutely! This is your home and we want you to treat it as such. We encourage family and friends to visit and stay overnight if that suits. It varies by village, but guests can stay between two weeks and 30 days without requiring approval. Simply let your Village Manager know so we can keep an eye out for your guest(s) and treat them as part of the RetireAustralia family.

Can my pet live with me?

The Green Tarragindi is a pet-friendly village, so you can bring your best friend with you, whether you have a small dog, cat or bird.

Why live with Retire Australia?

You’ll be part of a thriving community
Visitors to our villages often say that there’s a wonderful, vibrant sense of community. This is what we strive for: active, social, happy villages where residents have all the space and freedom to enjoy life as they choose, with the safety and security of a like-minded community.

You’ll feel at home
By putting residents at the heart of every decision, we create welcoming, inclusive communities where you will feel right at home, both now and in the future.

Your wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do
We create homes and environments that are perfect for now and ideal for later. And if you ever need extra support, rest easy knowing our trusted Care Team are never far away.

You’ll love the service you receive
Enjoy a unique relationship with our friendly and caring team, who know you by name and strive to always provide the best experience.

You’ll be looked after by an experienced team
With over 5000 residents in communities across New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, we understand retirement living and the needs of older Australians.

Speak to our team to discover what life could be like at The Green Tarragindi.

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The 5 most popular retirement living options

Like any big decision, it is best made when you have all the relevant information. To help you with your research, we’ve summarised the five most popular types of retirement living in Australia to take some of the guesswork out of where to call home both now and in the future.

1. Staying in the family home

Staying in your family home ensures you stay in the neighbourhood you’re familiar with, close to the social networks you’ve built over many years.

It suits people who value their independence, love their surroundings and enjoy their established routines. It works best for those with strong family and social networks, as loneliness and isolation is a higher risk for those ageing in their own home.

Considerations

  • Repairs and maintenance: You will still need to coordinate your own home repairs and house and garden maintenance, so it’s worth thinking about how you’ll feel about this in the years to come. By the time Australians retire, many of them have lived in their homes for over 20 years, if this sounds like you, you should consider that the costs of maintaining older homes can be significant.
  • Accessibility and safety: How well will you be able to navigate your home if your mobility is compromised? Being open-minded about home modifications is important to ensure that your home continues to be a safe place for you as you age.

A home can be full of fall hazards, as well as other potential safety problems. Getting a home safety assessment for ageing in place will give you peace of mind about this. It will also help you make an informed decision about what changes are needed to ensure your home is safe.

  • Isolation: You could become lonely and isolated living alone if your mobility or activity is ever limited.
  • Care and support: As the years go by, you may find you need help managing daily tasks and at some point, you may even need some level of nursing care. A great resource for understanding what options are available to you is the My Aged Care website.

 

2. Downsizing into an apartment or townhouse

Downsizing, or rightsizing as it is now popularly called, has many positives in retirement, not least having less space to maintain which frees up more time to do the things you enjoy most.

Moving into an apartment or townhouse generally offers as much security of tenure as a detached house, but they have smaller yards and lower upkeep costs, while still giving you privacy in balconies, courtyards and perhaps even a small garden.

Considerations

  • Home modifications: Before moving in, consider making some minor modifications in preparation for the future. For example, installing hand rails in critical locations and making sure the hallways are wide enough to accommodate someone walking with a cane or a wheelchair user. Most townhouses are designed with stairs to maximise land use, so it pays to think about how long you’ll be happy with going up and down the stairs.
  • Ownership: The titles for some units and townhouses may be different, and you will want to understand the term ‘strata title’. This title is a certificate of title for a lot, and a share of common property. It is worth the investment to get legal advice to assist you in reviewing the ‘strata scheme’ to ensure that you will own what you think you will own.
  • Downsizing: With less space comes the task of deciding what to do with all the possessions that you’ve spent years accumulating. The prospect of sorting through a lifetime of possessions and memories can be overwhelming and can take on a negative connotation. This has a lot to do with how emotionally attached we can get to our possessions and the memories associated with those items.

We’ve put together a list of handy downsizing tips to make the process a little easier. Unfortunately, there’s no denying it is a big task and it could take you a lot longer than you think, so tackling it early on and giving yourself plenty of time is key.

 

3. Retirement villages

Retirement villages are the most common and well-known retirement living option in Australia. A major feature of this style of retirement living is the sense of community, with residents creating an informal support network and social groups. Increasingly, retirement villages also offer access to flexible care and support. This will give peace of mind, knowing that should your needs change in the future you can receive suitable care. Having the right support also means that

Retirement villages are especially popular with both singles and couples aged over 65 years, who want more security and support while living independently. You can have an active social life and go travelling without worrying about day-to-day property maintenance or gardening needs that are taken care of by village staff.

Designed to provide safe and secure homes as we age, retirement villages should have no, or very few steps in the home (or the village), corridors and doorways are wider, bathrooms are adapted for mobility devices and each home is fitted out with a 24-hour emergency call button.

Considerations

  • Choice: There are several different types of retirement village, and each offers a different range of accommodation choices from single family homes, townhouses, villas, and apartments.

Retirement villages can also have an array of from gyms, heated indoor swimming pools and billiards rooms through to tennis courts, bowling greens, bocce courts and more. Many offer services such as cleaning and laundry services, and transportation, as well as a diversity of sporting and social activities and facilities.

In many villages, small pets are welcome and residents love inviting family and friends to visit.

With so much choice, it is important to educate yourself on what each village offers and what suits your lifestyle. Be sure to visit a number of them before making a decision.

  • Costs and ownership: The vast majority of village homes are leased, meaning you do not own them, so just like buying an apartment or townhouse, it is important that you read your contract and seek independent advice to review the contract before you sign on the dotted line.

Having a complete understanding of upfront, ongoing and outgoing village costs is also important. One of the attributes of retirement villages that many people find attractive is the certainty it offers. From the day you move in, you will know the outgoing payment you will receive. In uncertain times, you may find it comforting to know where you stand financially. If that is you, a retirement village could be for you.

  • Care and support: It’s important to consider how your care needs will be supported as you get older. Many retirement villages offer some form of onsite care, while others are co-located with an aged care home. While you may not need care now, you may in the future and the type of care and support provided in your retirement village will determine if you can remain living in your home or if you will need to move to a residential aged care facility.

 

4. Land lease communities

Also known as ‘over 55s lifestyle communities’, ‘manufactured home estates’ and ‘resort communities’, this living arrangement grew out of the caravan park industry and offers a gated estate were you buy the physical structure of your home and rent the land it sits on. In most estates, because of the caravan park heritage, your home is required to be manufactured off site, usually in a factory, and trucked in to its final location.

Land lease communities are targeted at younger retirees (50+) who are looking for affordable housing and want to spend their retirement surrounded by like-minded people.

Considerations:

  • Contract: Each operator is free to develop their own contract for the rent and rental agreement contract covering the land. You should get legal advice as you will be placing your valuable home on their land with few options if you wish to depart.
  • Costs and ownership: Most homes are ‘affordable’ and in nearly all cases you will buy a new home from the operator. However, the weekly fees are controlled by the operator and they can vary the fees as they wish – there are minimal controls.

Also, while the manufactured home will be your own, you don’t own the land your home is positioned on and will be required to pay rent for this land. This rent can be increased by the park owner and there is no guarantee that the park owner will operate the park indefinitely, which may require you to remove your home and vacate the land.

  • Care needs and ageing in place: Unlike retirement villages and residential aged care, there is no requirement for land lease communities to be age friendly, so you need to consider accessibility and mobility if things change later in life. Land lease communities also do not offer any care, but you can arrange for home care services to be delivered into your home.

 

5. Aged care

Deciding whether to go into, or put a loved one into, residential aged care or nursing home is one of the toughest decisions a person could make. If you find yourself facing this choice, consider the following pros and cons of nursing homes:

Residential aged care facilities, also known as aged care or nursing homes, are a live-in option for people requiring full-time care. Most aged care facilities focus on clinical-based care for older Australians who are unable to live independently in their own homes.

Considerations:

  • Quality of care: Nursing homes are evaluated and these reports are available through Medicare. Do your homework and read the reports about the homes you are considering, so you can be sure that you or your loved one will be staying in a safe home that delivers high quality care.
  • Proximity of partner/ family: You may have to travel lengthy distances to visit your loved one if there isn’t a nursing facility near your home. And, unlike other retirement living options, partners don’t get to share apartments or rooms in an aged care facility.
  • Social activities and community: Residential aged care facilities provide differing levels of social activities and social connection. A sense of community is important at all ages and stages of retirement, so finding out what’s on offer and getting a sense of the community will be important.

 

Every person’s situation is unique and you will know what is right for you. The key is to think about your preferences and set a plan that suits you and takes into account what is important to you. Don’t shy away from factoring in the unknown by building in contingencies and share your plan with loved ones that might be responsible for your care in later life.

 

If comfort and security in retirement are important to you, take a look at The Green in Tarragindi, our brand-new retirement village in the tree-filled suburb of Tarragindi, just 8km from Brisbane’s CBD. A premium retirement community where you can relax and enjoy your well-earned freedom now, safe in the knowledge that as your needs change your future is secure. Speak to us today, to discover what makes The Green at Tarragindi unique and the perfect choice to live life the way you want.

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24 June 2022

8 reasons why retirement villages are good for you

 

Events in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have made us all reassess our priorities and what is most dear to us. For many, this means a renewed focus on health and wellbeing, keeping loved ones close, and having the support of a community.

If these are important to you too, then you need to understand how living in a retirement village can positively impact your health, your connection with loved ones and your sense of community.

Here are just eight of the ways retirement village living is good for your health and wellbeing.

1. Reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing

Even before COVID-19, one in five older Australians was estimated to suffer from social isolation[1] which can negatively impact one’s mental health[2] and even lead to depression. The pandemic highlighted to the wider community just how important it is for our wellbeing to stay connected with each other.

Life in a retirement village is specifically designed to counter social isolation, and foster a sense of belonging and community. Residents have many opportunities to connect with each other through a range of social activities and events, which has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Indeed, research[3] shows that 46% of residents report improved mental health after moving into a retirement village.

 

     

2. Boost longevity

Living better and healthier is great, but what about living longer? A Swedish study [5] has shown that being socially active can add up to five years to the life expectancy for women, and six years for men.

Researchers studied 1800 people over 18 years, and found that several factors impacted longevity, including having healthy lifestyle behaviours, a better social network, and participating in more leisure activities.

The research is in – a retirement village is the perfect place to boost your longevity through social connections and involvement in sporting and social activities and interests.

3. Support and care during a crisis

We have learnt over the past few years that life can be unpredictable, whether it be a global pandemic or natural catastrophes, such as recent fires, floods and storms. Living in a retirement village like The Green can help ease the anxiety and stress of the unknown with the knowledge that you have a team around you who can support you in a crisis or emergency.

The RetireAustralia team regularly keep up-to-date with the latest health advice and emergency training, so that you’re secure and safe in the event of a crisis. Knowing that you have the support you need should something happen also reduces worry and improves your general wellbeing.

4. Reduce the risk of disability

Research conducted by Rush University[6] has shown that people who are more socially active are less likely to become disabled. In other words, they’re less likely to need help with daily activities or mobility.

The good news is that researchers looked at a broad range of social activities, so whatever your interests, your social activities will have a positive impact. Researchers measured social activities like going to restaurants, playing bingo, volunteering, going on day or overnight trips, and visiting relatives and friends.  With a busy social calendar on offer in all of our villages, you’ll be spoilt for choice in how you wish to stay active.

5. Fewer and shorter hospital stays

Retirement villages provide services that enable residents to have shorter hospital stays[7] – and fewer of them. In fact, retirement village residents leave hospital a full two days earlier than non-residents. That’s because retirement village residents can be discharged into a safe environment that’s equipped with hand railings, ramps, an emergency call system and on-site support staff.

What’s more, the social connectedness that’s inherent in a retirement village helps counteract problems of social isolation and depression when you’re homebound post operation. When you consider that two of the main factors[8] for hospitalisation in people over 60 are falls and depression, it’s no wonder that a safe and secure site and supported community helps keep retirement village residents out of hospital.

6. Visit the GP less often

The Property Council of Australia estimates that over 65s visit their local GP about 6-7 times a year, but that residents in retirement villages make 1-3 fewer visits each year. They attribute this to the fact that many retirement villages have staff on-site who can assist with minor health concerns.

At The Green at Tarragindi, residents can choose from a wide range of personalised in-home care services, helping make life a little easier and a lot more relaxed. Our caring and experienced team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few.

7. Lower the risk of dementia

Research shows that engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses and dementia[9]. Specifically, activities with purpose – like music, drawing, meditation, reading, and arts and crafts – are particularly helpful in boosting health and wellbeing.

Our retirement villages offer ample opportunities to take part in social and leisure activities and The Green Tarragindi is no exception. Designed to maximise social connection, residents will be able to enjoy multi-purpose recreation facilities surrounded by friends, family and like-minded neighbours. Here, you’ll be part of close-knit community and can get to know your neighbours over a drink on the terrace, or by taking part in one of the regularly organised social events.

8. Delay the move to aged care

Would you like to hold off on moving into residential aged care? If the answer is yes, then living in a retirement village could be a good start.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that residents of retirement villages enter aged care later than those moving from the family home. This isn’t a matter of weeks or months, but years – an average of five years to be exact. This also means you get to enjoy the village facilities and lifestyle benefits of retirement living for longer.

 

It seems the course is clear – life in a retirement village is likely to boost your health and wellbeing, but also your sense of fulfilment. And a life well lived is worth aspiring to!

If you’re interested in retirement living that suits all your needs, take a look at The Green Tarragindi, a premium community offering independent living with care and support you can count on later.

 

 

[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/d18a1d2b-692c-42bf-81e2-47cd54c51e8d/aihw-australias-welfare-2017-chapter5-1.pdf.aspx
[2] https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/loneliness-isolation
[3] McCrindle Research, The McCrindle Baynes Villages Census Report 2013: https://mccrindle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/work/McCrindle-Baynes-Villages-Census-Report-2013-Executive-Summary.pdf
[4] Villages.com.au, National Village Survey 2018
[5] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-08/bmj-hli082912.php
[6] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-02/rumc-hlo021711.php
[7] https://www.grantthornton.com.au/globalassets/1.-member-firms/australian-website/industry/hac/pdfs/gtal_2014_hac_national-overview-of-the-retirement-village-sector.pdf
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12118057
[9] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/oti.225
[10] http://www.retirementliving.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/National-overview-of-the-retirement-village-sector-Grant-Thornton.pdf

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24 June 2022

Retirement living myths busted

Think retirement village living isn’t for you?  Before you make a decision about your next move, make sure you know what living in a village is really like.

 

There are lots of myths about living in a retirement village that don’t reflect what life is really like.  So let’s separate the fact from the fiction!

Myth #1: Being surrounded by people my age will encourage me to slow down and lose my independence

On the contrary, we find that residents revel in being part of a new social circle and making new connections, and continue to lead full and rich lives. As resident Ros explains, “If you hang around people who are really good at being retired, you get really good at being retired.”

She and her husband John moved into Wood Glen Retirement Village on the Central Coast in May 2019. At 67 and 69 respectively, they’re the second youngest residents in the village, but life hasn’t slowed down since they sold their bed and breakfast in Port Macquarie.

Now, they live close enough to Sydney to connect regularly with family, and both volunteer and work in the local community. They also keep busy with sport, with Ros cycling, doing pilates, and going to an outside gym, while John makes use of Wood Glen’s proximity to golf, tennis, and surfing.

“We’re only a 10-15 minute pushbike ride from Terrigal,” says Ros. “Wood Glen has got absolutely everything. We love it.”

Closer to home, they’ve joined the village’s weekly line dancing classes, and John also plays table tennis and teaches Kelly pool. As Ros points out, “If you’re making a choice to make a change, you might as well make it as rich as you possibly can. That’s what I’m doing.”

Myth #2: My health and wellbeing will suffer

Not true! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that your health can actually improve in a retirement village, by reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing.

Social isolation is a big problem for older Australians, with one in five estimated to suffer from the condition. That statistic pre-dates COVID-19, so has almost certainly increased in recent years – a sobering thought when you consider that social isolation can negatively impact one’s mental health and even lead to depression.

Retirement living is specifically designed to counter social isolation, and instead foster a sense of belonging and community. Indeed, a villages.com.au National Village Survey from 2018 showed that 52% of residents said their happiness had increased since entering a retirement village.

That’s true for Tarragal Glen resident Gordon , who says, “Some people look at retirement village living and downsizing as though you’re giving up something, but for us we really feel like it’s given us a better life than we had before. After two years in the village we have a new circle of friends and a very full life both inside and outside of the village.”

It’s a similar story for Carlyle Gardens residents Noel and Judy. When asked about his favourite memory from living in the village, Noel doesn’t hesitate. “Friendships,” he says. “This is one of the best moves we’ve ever made.”

As for Judy, she says “all the entertainment has been absolutely first class. It’s the balance. I am happier here and couldn’t recommend it more.”

There are countless ways in which retirement living is good for your health – if you’d like to know more, here’s just eight ways in which your wellbeing could flourish.

Myth #3: I’ll be encouraged to cut ties with the broader community

When asked to describe their village community, the word we most often hear from residents is “family”. As Anne at Boambee Gardens describes it, “[the community] is like a family, it’s fabulous. You feel part of a family not only with residents but with the staff.”

But while there’s lots to keep you busy within the village itself, residents also have active and full lives in the broader community, with many volunteering or working part-time. Take our Wood Glen residents, John and Ros. John volunteers at Integrity Living as a bus attendant, while Ros does face-to-face counselling at Lifeline one day a week as well as volunteer administration work at a police office.

Meanwhile, Neville at Cleveland Manor volunteers as a lollipop man at the local school, is President of the Residents’ Committee and mans the bar at twice-weekly village happy hours.

But no matter how fulfilling and rewarding life is in the broader community, it’s always nice to have a place to call home. As Cleveland Manor resident Nick puts it, “There’s a feeling of belonging. You can’t put a price on it.”

The brand-new village The Green Tarragindi brings together care and community in a genuine way. From the sanctuary of your own apartment, you can take advantage of the facilities, enjoy the local area and engage in the activities when you want. Speak to us today to discover how The Green is perfect place to retire now and in the future.  

 

 

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