Retirement villages in Australia

What are retirement villages?

Retirement villages are communities designed exclusively for people over the age of 55 or those who have retired from full-time employment, and their spouses. As a contractual condition of their entry to the village, at least one of the residents (senior or spouse) must have paid an ingoing contribution, either as a lump sum or in instalments.

These villages offer residents accommodation where they can live independently. Many also offer additional features where residents can interact socially, such as pools, libraries and common rooms. Health and medical services are generally not provided.

Types of retirement villages

There are two recognised types of retirement village.

• Resident-funded – run by private operators to provide a profit; and
• Donor-funded or community-auspiced villages – owned and operated by non-profit organisations. Entry is generally restricted to the needy.

Levels of care

Retirement villages generally offer a variety of different levels of care. Units described as independent living units or self-care units offer limited personal care options. Serviced apartments or assisted living units offer the highest level of care, usually involving regular personal services. These are not to be confused with low-level residential care facilities, or hostels, which are partly funded by the Federal Government.

Fees and charges

Residents may be asked to pay:

• a waiting list fee;
• an ingoing fee;
• ongoing rent or service charges;
• a departure fee.

Who are retirement villages right for?

As previously mentioned, retirement villages are designed exclusively for people over 55 and their spouses or people who are retired from full-time work and their spouses. As these facilities offer a limited level of care, only those seniors with a degree of physical and mental independence are suited to this style of living.

Lifestyle choice or necessity?

For many people, becoming older brings with it the freedom they had only dreamed of before. The chance to socialise and try new things, without the financial burdens that weighed them down in previous years. Many retirement villages offer facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, BBQ areas, bowling greens and bars, giving retirees the opportunity to keep fit and healthy in a society of like-minded people.

For others, the opportunity to maintain a degree of independence as they age is a tempting prospect. Living in a serviced apartment with the aid of a trained carer is, for many seniors, preferable to relying on family for their immediate needs.

For other older people, those without family to depend upon, retirement villages offer them the chance to live independently, with the companionship and level of care they require.

Retirement villages offer seniors the chance to interact and socialise with other retirees in a shared environment; supporting and comforting each other, and taking part in pastimes they enjoy with a minimum of interference.