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Assisted Living VS. Aged Care

Last modified on July 10th, 2023

eating in a retirement community

What’s the difference between assisted living in a serviced apartment and aged care?

It’s a question that is often asked, but not always clearly answered. For total clarification on serviced apartments and how they are different to aged care homes, we need to look at what is included in the services.

An aged care nursing home is for elderly or incapacitated individuals who require 24-hour supervision or full time nursing care and assistance with the activities of daily living, things such as bathing, dispensing of medications, and all meals. On the other hand, an independent living community is for people in their retirement years who would prefer the convenience of downsizing, less home maintenance and enhanced security with the option for assistance when they require it. Generally speaking, moving to a serviced apartment can be a good alternative to aged care for some people.

 

What is included in assisted living?

At Centennial Living, we provide our residents with beautiful and very comfortable serviced apartments for independent living. Our goal is to settle our residents into the village community so that they will be able to live a full and enriched lifestyle throughout their retirement period. Think of serviced apartments as independent living with a helping hand from friendly and knowledgeable staff when you need it most.

A range of accommodation is available in our villages. When you need to downsize and shift services, we are able to help you to find something that suits your needs now and in the future. Serviced apartments are an ideal way to keep living independently with three meals provided daily and, no need to worry about cleaning or heavy laundry.

In a Centennial Living serviced apartment, a range of services are provided to help make your life much easier and more enjoyable. These include:

• Daily provision of breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Weekly apartment cleaning

• Weekly laundering and changing of bed linen and towels

• Social activities, shopping trips, entertainment, hobby groups to join, village events

 

Assisted living is community minded

When it comes to longevity of life, community and social activities are attributed to better health and wellbeing for all. This is especially important for people in the years where life is starting to slow down. Organised activities and a great social life is something that independent living villages are able to provide for all residents whether they live in a serviced apartment or unit. Facilities you will typically find in our villages include:

• Community Centre

• Heated Spa-Pool

• Library

• Dining Room

• Crafts and Games

• Coffee Lounge

• Hairdressing Salon

• Bowling Green

• Extensive Gardens

• Resident Dinners & Drinks

• Social Functions and Events

 

In addition at Centennial Living retirement villages an array of support services can be arranged for you through our preferred service providers and they can be tailored specifically to your individual needs. They might include services such as transport, medication management, podiatry, nursing care, or personal care and are available either as a part of a government funded Home Care Package or on a private fee-for-service basis.

 

Safety and convenience under one roof

Similarities can be drawn between aged care and independent living with the safety and convenience that is provided to all residents. In both, 24-hour medical assistance and personal alarm systems are on hand for emergencies. Smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and evacuation plans are in place for residents’ safety also. Nurses are onsite during the week and a team of village resident management specialists are also on hand to make you feel secure.

In an independent living community, various health professionals visit the villages on a regular basis, and can arrange for deliveries of prescription medicines and other healthcare products from the local pharmacy. At an aged care home, nursing staff can directly dispense residents’ medications to them, and monitor their vital signs like temperature and blood pressure as they would in a hospital.

Serviced apartments are either studio style with a living/bedroom combination or are built with separate bedrooms. They also include a kitchenette and separate, user-friendly en suite bathroom with safety railings. All of the serviced apartments are very safe and secure. Keeping your independence will empower you to enjoy all aspects of retirement life, including new friendships, the amenities and social groups within the village. Regular organised get-togethers and other hobbyist groups can become a part of your everyday life when you live in a serviced apartment. A supportive community is important at this time of life, so make it a priority to explore the options at Centennial Living.

 

Visit Centennial Living’s serviced apartments in Melbourne today

We understand that choosing the right path for your retirement is absolutely essential for a healthy and happy future. At Centennial Living, we have a whole range of options that are able to be tailored to your needs. Make your later years simple and stress free, and stay connected to those around you.

To learn more about life with Centennial Living, don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can reach out to us today by calling  1300 098 000 or leaving an enquiry via our contact form.