There’s no doubt about it: there are so many different retirement and senior living communities throughout Australia. You’d be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed with the choice and the plethora of information for you to get through. There are plenty of things you will need to consider when looking for the best fit for your lifestyle and your needs a little further down the track. From the cost of senior living communities to how active your social life will be and even which facilities will be available – you have some important choices to make.
Considerations for choosing the best senior citizen living communities
Transport
Whether you’re going to keep driving or not, it is a great idea to know what kind of transportation options are available within the community you’ll be living in. Parking may not be readily available at your residence and could pose a problem if you need to walk a long distance from communal parking. No one likes to be totally housebound so you may want to be close to public transport or have a village bus service option that you can use.
Activities
Moving into a senior living community shouldn’t mean your entire recreational life should disappear. Choose a retirement village with social clubs and activity groups that you can engage in. A well run resident community at an active senior living village should have a healthy list of things to do like art classes, bowling, swimming, movie nights, music clubs, gardening, and other outings.
Cost
This is one aspect of choosing a retirement village that you do not want to overlook. Have a budget that works for you and make sure you do your research on the places you like the sound of.
Catering
If you’re fully self-sufficient with your cooking and don’t require the extra help, then you’re sorted. But it could be a great idea to know what your options are in terms of food services. Some retirement living communities have serviced apartments with meals provided or cafes on site, and others have dedicated chefs and a dining room. It’s something to consider if you don’t want to cook your own meal every night.
Community
When you’re considering a move into a retirement community take the time to learn about the opportunities for social activities, exercise, religious activities, cultural pursuits, sightseeing and entertainment that is included. It’s a good idea to keep up your activities in the wider community as well for optimal mental and physical health.
Assistance
A lot of seniors considering the move into a retirement village may not require any additional assistance but it is wise to understand what options are available should your needs change in the future. Whether it be home help such as shopping and cleaning or nursing care. Some villages will have a lighter touch than others.
Pets
Do you have a cat or dog or some kind of animal companion that you can’t bear to leave behind when you move to a retirement community? Ask about the village pet policy before you make your decision, as some retirement villages don’t allow pets in their residences.
Choose the best senior living community for you
When it comes to making your decision, be informed and have your list of non-negotiables, financial queries and any other things you require. Do your research and ask as many questions as you need. After all, this is your post retirement life.
To learn more about village 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.
