Retirement Living advice

A retirement village provides accommodation for people who are over 55, and who are either still working part time or are retired. Retirement living is designed for people who can live independently in their own home.

Friends and family are welcome to visit and stay with you in your retirement unit. Part of living in a retirement village is the sense of community and knowing who your neighbours are. This means that if you are planning on having a visitor for an extended stay, you will need to talk to the Housing Coordinator and let them know who is staying, and for how long.

Small pets such as birds and fish are usually welcome at our retirement living homes, with each pet being approved by the Housing Coordinator before coming to live with you. There will be some circumstances where pets are not allowed, so please check with the Housing Coordinator before you move in.

Retirement living is designed for people over 55 who are still active enough to live independently, providing a close community of like-minded people. An aged care home provides an increased level of support for people who are no longer able to live independently, with round the clock care available.

Retirement village living is designed for people who are independent, without the need for 24/7 care.

However, we understand that health issues or changes in your circumstances can sometimes arise unexpectedly. For this reason, Helping Hand can assist with home care services should the need arise, to keep you living independently in your home for as long as possible.

Usually when you buy into a Helping Hand retirement living property, Helping Hand retains ownership of the home and the land. You will be purchasing a license to live in the unit for as long as you wish. There are also some properties which are offered as rental units. To understand your options fully, please talk to our Housing Coordinator, and read more about Retirement Living costs here.

No one likes to think about ageing, end-of-life or the worst-case scenario, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Age Care, we discuss Advance Care Planning – why it matters, how to start the conversation, and the peace of mind it brings.

Zara Freeman is a Palliative Care Nurse with Helping Hand and she spoke to host Kate Holland about the benefits of talking early and openly about your current and future care needs. She explains:

• Advance Care Planning: what it is and how beautiful the conversations can be
• The definition of an Advance Care Directive (ADC): how you can get one and who signs off on it
• The things to include in your ADC. Yes, songs for your funeral are a valid inclusion
• Benefits of planning for the individual (this includes nominating a substitute decision-maker in case of incapacity)
• Benefits of planning for the family (less guessing and decision making at a stressful time)
• Advice for getting the conversation started. (Relaxed and casual is good!)