Traditionally, human society developed for protection and sustenance, which evolved into a community that socialised and cared for each other. As humans progressed, the social trends and requirements also changed, leading to nuclear family set-ups and, with the fast pace of life, the family set-up also underwent a metamorphosis. Now, many people want to live independently, coming together only occasionally. This social development is why retirement villages were developed.
Many people worldwide doubt retirement homes and their authenticity and financial viability. Many believe that life in retirement villages is often more expensive than living in regular homes. When in fact, this is not correct.
Retirement homes vs regular homes:
The price of living:
Our regular homes are either rented or owned, and we often buy homes with bank loans, which we repay with interest over time. The interest is the added cost here. There are times when we also mortgage our homes for other essential expenses. The maintenance and upkeep of our homes, not to mention the amount of time, hard work, and effort spent on the same do not end with owning the property.
Retirement villages are usually priced lower than similar properties in the local community. This will enable an incoming resident to retain additional funds for ongoing expenses and lifestyle. You still need to pay for electricity, phone and internet, but generally, utilities such as council rates, water rates and building insurance are included in your levies.
As a retirement village resident there is no longer a need to mow lawns and tend to gardens (unless you wish to join the garden club), no requirement to clean gutters or windows, these are all done for you regularly.
Medical expenses:
Health is a concern throughout life, and the concerns go past a particular stage of life. Medical consultations, pharmaceuticals, medical aids, and medical procedures are all part of life. As we age, we can become apprehensive about doing everything alone when it comes to our medical requirements without help or assistance. After working hard and providing for the family, your retirement years are a time for rest and self-indulgence.
Living in a retirement village can take some of this pressure off you. Villages usually have nursing and care staff on-site. Medical Practitioners and other Allied Health professionals visit villages regularly to take the pressure off making and travelling to appointments. Emergency Nurse Call buttons and pendants allow residents to get the attention of nursing staff quickly and privately when required.
Support and care:
Falling ill or feeling under the weather is a part of life. But when you live alone in your home, falling ill can be stressful and expensive with the added cost of hiring someone to help around the house or a medical assistant to take care of you. Even though your children love and care for you, with hectic schedules and their own family life, it becomes difficult for them to take care of your needs, especially when you are unwell.
Retirement villages understand this and have well-trained nursing and care staff who assist you and monitor your recovery. In-house doctors visit regularly to check on residents and ensure that they are well looked after. Retirement Villages also have connections with local hospitals and will monitor your recovery should you be admitted to the hospital.
Lifestyle and recreation:
Life does not end when you reach your retirement, and with more time on your hands, you can now pursue all of your previously neglected interests. Indulging your desires, planning, locating and pursuing your interests requires effort and money. Living on your savings, you should limit your recreational activities.
Retirement villages have recreation covered with well-planned activities, events, concerts and excursions. You can participate in any activity or workshop of your choice; all you have to do is show up.
Villages provide everyday activities in their recreational centres such as book clubs, bingo, discussion groups, exercise classes and happy hour, they also organise various workshops like painting, Men’s shed, pottery or yoga and for those who wish to travel further afar, there are day trips and vacations that can be arranged through some villages.
Everything is carefully planned, with your safety and comfort as a priority. Some items in the Lifestyle Program may have a small cost to cover catering etc but many activities are provided by the village for the enjoyment of residents.
Living in a retirement village is more prudent than staying in your home, considering the financial, healthcare, and social factors.