Retirement Villages & As ist ed Living Accommodation
By Jana Pearce
Some people have the impression that retirement villages are dull places where people do little else but watch TV and wait for their next meal to arrive. This is very wrong. The true picture is that today's retirement
villages and resorts are vibrant communities with very modern facilities, clubhouses, sports facilities, craft rooms, computer classes, happy hours with a bar, and a diverse range of interesting activities in which residents can decide to participate. Living in a retirement village provides an 'instant' support and social network as well as low-maintenance, stylish and modern homes built to provide security and comfort. No need to contact and deal with tradesmen if something needs fixing or stops working. Importantly, retirement villages are not about giving up freedom, they are about gaining lifestyle, companionship, exploring new activities and having the support to try new activities with like-minded people.
Choose the kind of village suits your personality and interests
Break through the mental barriers Fear of change is often one of the biggest hurdles people face when making the decision to move. Selling your home and moving can be a stressful process but it can also be a liberating one. We collect possessions all our lives and for many, we look around our homes and think how did I manage to gather all of these things that I don't need? Once people decide to make the change,
they take it step by step, and not get overwhelmed. When they are in their new home in their retirement village, they talk about the freedom and security they have gained by living in a supportive community environment. Whether it's freedom to lock up your
home for weeks or months at a time to travel the world, take a cruise, get a motorhome and explore Australia, or simply the joy of walking in pleasant gardens knowing if anything happens to you, help is near.
How to choose a retirement village Choosing a retirement village in northern Sydney is not easy as there are so many options many of which offer different lifestyles and cater to varying interests. First, you need to do some soul
searching about what you like and the kind of person you are. What leisure, social, intellectual, recreational or creative pursuits do you like to do or see yourself taking up in the future? Do you like bowling, craft, croquet, the
theatre, swimming, gardening, eating out at new restaurants or going to the cinema? Do you like the sea, the mountains, being
close to nature or living in the heart of the action in bustling metropolis? You need to think carefully about the
type of village that suits the kind of person (or couple) you are, and be secure in the knowledge your needs will be looked after in the future. Next you need to contact the villages of
your choice, talk to people you know about their experiences, and of course, go and visit the retirement villages. If you go to a village that you instantly
feel is just right for you, no matter how much you want to, don't sign anything until you have a solicitor experienced in retirement village contracts check the contract. For organisations and a solicitor
experienced in retirement village contracts, see the legal section on page 23-24. Make the decision while you still can Many people decide to make the move to a retirement village while they are still active, so they get to choose where they want live before future events can take the control out of their hands. Others decide they want or need the
support and companionship offered by a secure and friendly retirement community. Some people move to a village or an assisted living apartment to be close to their family members while still maintaining their independence.
60 Seniors & Care Guide 2015
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