Retirement living Brisbane offers today is considered to be one of the best in Australia. With a perfect climate and relatively low cost of living, it’s no wonder that more and more older people choose to stay and spend their retirement years in this wonderful city.
However, choosing the right retirement village can be a daunting task. And, it can be even more difficult, especially in areas like the Northern Suburbs where there are several retirement villages to choose from.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a guide on how to choose the right retirement village Northern Suburbs has to offer. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the transition easier when the time comes.
How Are Retirement Villages Different from Residential Aged Care
The first thing you need to understand is that retirement villages are different from aged care facilities. Contrary to what some people believe that these communities are similar to residential aged care, but they are actually not.
First of all, retirement villages are designed for people who are still relatively active and independent. They provide residents with a sense of community and support, without necessarily offering the 24/hour care that’s typically found in an aged care facility.
Moreover, these villages usually have a mix of private residences, shared amenities, and common areas. There may also be some services available on-site, like a hair salon or a restaurant. This type of community living can offer many benefits, including socialisation opportunities, security, and peace of mind.
6 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Retirement Village
As we’ve said, there are many retirement villages in Northern Suburbs. And, with so many choices available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some things you need to keep in mind during your search.
1. Type of Care You Need
Before anything else, you should consider your current and future needs. Are you looking for a higher level of support? Or, do you have any chronic health conditions that require regular treatment? It’s important to choose a retirement village that can provide the type of care you need, now and in the future.
To get an idea of which services will suit your situation, let us discuss the different types of retirement villages.
- Independent Living Units – These retirement units for sale Brisbane has today are designed for people who are still capable enough to tend to themselves.
- Assisted Living Communities – These villages are for those who need a little extra help with their day-to-day activities. They offer 24/hour support, as well as access to on-site care services, like nurses and physiotherapists.
- Co-Located Villages – These are retirement communities that are located near aged care facilities. This type of village is ideal for those who need regular treatment or care, as they can easily transition to the aged care facility when the time comes.
Based on these options, you can determine which type of community you’ll fit in.
2. Location
When choosing the location, it would be best if it is just close to where your family and relatives live. So, if you originally live in the Northern Suburbs, it would make better sense to find a retirement village Northern Suburbs have today. This is to ensure that your family can easily visit you, and vice versa.
Also, you should consider the accessibility of the village. Is it near public transport? Are there any nearby shops or parks? Choosing a retirement village that is accessible and convenient for you will make your life much easier, especially as you get older.
3. Amenities
While there are amenities that a retirement village should basically have, like a common area and security, there are certain lifestyle amenities that can make your stay even more pleasurable.
For example, there are luxury retirement living resorts that have fine-dining options or room service. There are even villages with their own golf course, gym, swimming pools, and spas. If you’re looking for something that can offer you a more luxurious lifestyle, then these are the things you should look for.
Of course, it’s important to remember that retirement living is not all about luxury. There are many villages that offer simple but comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. It’s all about finding the right balance between your needs and your budget.
4. On-Site Services
Living in a retirement village with on-site services can be a great benefit, especially if you have chronic health conditions that require regular treatment. So, it’s important to check what kind of on-site services are available before making your decision.
Some essential on-site services that a good retirement village should have are the following.
- Team of qualified nurses and carers who can provide support when needed
- A physiotherapist to help you with your mobility
- An on-site doctor who can provide regular check-ups
- A hairdresser or barber, so you don’t have to go out to get your hair done
Apart from these, it would also be nice if the retirement village has its own cafe, library, and hobby room. These are just some of the things that can make your retirement more enjoyable, and you don’t have to go far to get them.
5. Activities and Programmes
When you’re retired, it’s important to find ways to keep yourself active and engaged. Otherwise, you might end up feeling bored and isolated. Fortunately, many retirement villages offer a wide range of activities and programmes that you can take part in.
For example, there are social clubs that organise regular outings and events. There are also exercise classes, like yoga or Tai Chi, which can help you stay fit and healthy. And, if you’re looking for something more creative, there are art classes or cooking lessons that you can join.
The key is to find a retirement village that offers activities that interest you. This way, you can make the most out of your retirement years.
6. Price
Of course, you have to consider your budget for retirement living. Basically, you’ll be buying a unit in retirement villages for sale. And, depending on the place, the price of units can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to over a million, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.
However, it’s important to remember that the price is not the only thing you should consider. Again, you also need to make sure that the retirement village can provide you with the type of care and support you need.
What to Check When Touring a Retirement Village
Once you have found a potential retirement village Northern Suburbs has to offer, you should schedule a tour. This will give you the opportunity to see the community first-hand and get a feel for the place.
During your visit, be sure to check the condition of the grounds and common areas, as it will have an impact on the quality of experience you’ll have as a resident. For example, a community with well-maintained gardens and a clean pool area is likely to be more enjoyable than one that’s neglected. On the other hand, one with safety hazards or a cluttered environment should be avoided.
Also, take note of the staff and how they interact with the residents. Do they seem friendly and accommodating? Or, are they aloof and unapproachable? The staff can make or break your retirement living experience, so it’s important to choose a village with employees that you feel comfortable around.
It would also be helpful to talk to some of the current residents. This will give you an insight into what it’s really like to live in the village. Be sure to ask about their relationships with the staff members, the level of care, and the overall quality of life in the retirement community.
Moving to a Retirement Village: How to Make the Transition Easier
Moving to any of the retirement homes Brisbane has today can be a big adjustment, especially if you’ve been living independently for most of your life. To make the transition easier, here are some tips that you can follow.
- Get rid of the things you don’t need. Retirement living usually means downsizing, so it’s important to get rid of the things that you won’t be able to take with you. This will also make it easier to pack and move your belongings.
- Stay in touch with your loved ones. Let your family and friends know about your plans to move into a retirement village. This way, they can visit you more often or even help you with the move itself.
- Join social clubs and activities. As we mentioned earlier, many retirement villages offer a wide range of activities that you can take part in. Joining these clubs and programmes can help you meet new people and make friends more easily.
Most importantly, be patient. It takes time to adjust to any new environment, so don’t expect everything to be perfect right away. Give yourself some time to get used to retirement living, and we’re sure you’ll eventually come to love it.
Final Thoughts
When you’ve reached retirement age, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you’ve made the right decision about where to spend your golden years. But, with a little bit of research and our helpful guide, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect retirement village Northern Suburbs has to offer you in no time.
If you have any more questions, feel free to leave us a comment below. And, for more interesting life hacks, please check out our other posts!
