If your parents are fast approaching retirement and you would like to ensure they have a comfortable life, a retirement village is the ideal solution, as it offers many facilities, and with a choice of independent or assisted living, there is something for everyone. If you are looking for the right community for your parents, here are some important points to bear in mind.
1. The Type of Accommodation you Require
This, of course, very much depends on the elderly who are going to relocate to the village, and whether they are independent and require no help, or perhaps they do require some daily assistance. If you live in Australia, in one of the retirement villages of Retire Australia, they cater for all types of people, and with a friendly and happy community set in beautifully managed grounds, one could not wish for a better living environment.
2. The Right Amenities
With everything you need within the village, there is little reason to leave the beautiful settlement, and you can expect to find a community centre, a heated indoor pool, and of course, a billiard table for those who like to play a leisurely few frames in the early evenings. There would likely be an arts and crafts centre, where you can weave baskets or paint the stunning sunset, and obviously, a bowling green would be tucked away in a corner. There are interesting articles online that look at the pros and cons of retirement villages, for those who would like some further reading on the topic.
3. Ownership Options
Some people would prefer to buy their retirement home outright, which is also a good investment, while others would prefer a tenure agreement, and the ideal retirement village would offer both. Long term leasing allows you to avoid paying stamp duty, as you do not actually own the land the home sits on, and with such type of agreement, you can rest assured that your home is a long term proposition. It is important for a retired person not to stretch themselves financially, and should a couple decide to keep their family home, they can take out a long term lease on their retirement home.
4. Social Activities
Ideally, you want an environment that offers a range of social activities, yet nothing is forced upon the residents. One might like to be with friends 2 or 3 times per week, and by engaging in enjoyable activities with likeminded people of a similar age, one can achieve the right balance between having their privacy and social mixing. Most retirees like to remain active, and there would be a wide range of sporting activities to take part in, along with some quieter activities, for those who prefer a more relaxing time.
If you are prepared to do a little online searching, there are ideal retirement villages in NSW, Queensland, South Australia or even in your local area, and if the village has all of the above, your parents will fall in love with their retirement living environment. With a range of ownership options, there is something for everyone, and whether you require assisted or independent living, there will be something just right.
