What is a Retirement Village?

In simple terms, a Retirement Village is a collection of residences together with shared recreational, dining, rest home and/or hospital amenities designed for the accommodation of the elderly or retired people.

Many Retirement Villages resemble a resort (as seen in many glossy brochures) which comprise of a series of small units connected by paths or roads, with common areas such as lounges, libraries, gyms, bowling greens, swimming pools, etc.

What isn't shown in the glossy brochures is that many retirement villages offer a range of accommodation and care options. Depending on your needs and circumstances, you may decide to choose one of following:

• An Independent Self Contained Unit - this is usually a small unit which is completely self-contained with bedroom, bathroom, laundry, kitchen and living areas;
• A Nursing Home - this form of accommodation is used by people who need either long term or short term respite nursing care. The services offered in a nursing home include; help with daily tasks, meals and laundry services, full time nursing care and recreational and therapy services.
• A Hostel or Serviced Apartment - this form of accommodation is used by people who require help with domestic tasks and personal care. For example, washing, cleaning, taking medication and dressing; or

It must be noted that a Retirement Village may be contrasted with just a Rest Home which do offer a much greater care component to the residents. Also to be distinguished are hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes and hospices although such establishments, along with rest homes, may be situated within a Retirement Village. Remember, the concept of a Retirement Village involves accommodation for retired residents who have less dependence on others for their daily life, although many Retirement Villages do however offer additional services to cater for medical and nursing requirements.

I’ll be posting more articles on Retirement Villages and Hostels, as I can provide first hand experience as my wife has been working in a Retirement Village for a number of years and can am happy to share more advice for a better retirement.