THE RISE of vertical villages and home care in retirement villages are set to change the landscape to meet the demand of an ageing population.
These were some of the hot topics discussed by industry pundits at the recent Retirement Living Summit inMelbourne run by peak retirement body the Retirement Living Council, an arm of the Property Council of Australia.
Property Council chief of policy and housing, Glenn Byres, said residents can expect more streamlined in-home care services and to see more villages with co-located care or aged care close by.
“There is currently a strong trend towards being able to provide formal home care within retirement villages to help extend independence,” Mr Byres said.
He said the reforms to home care delivery which come in to effect in February “will provide more opportunities for village operators to become approved care providers for the first time or to partner with one of more providers for a more streamlined service”.
Currently, he said, just over a quarter of retirement villages have co-located care or aged care within 500 metres, and this percentage is set to grow.
Mr Byres also predicts the rise in vertical living. “With space within our inner cities becoming rarer, and many existing villages preparing for redevelopment, medium-rise and vertical living is necessary to meet the demand of the ageing population,” he said.
“Our previous research indicates we can expect a doubling of the population living in retirement villages by 2025 if supply meets demand.”
This was echoed by Retirement Village Residents Association president Tom Gait who said for the next generations of retirees “vertical villages will be the go”.
“The only way is up. Generation X and Y won’t be wanting sea change or tree change like my generation and the generation before me,” Mr Gait said. “While vertical living doesn’t suit everyone, it is the way things are heading.”
Mr Gait was pleased to see emphasis on making retirement village contracts easier to understand and welcomed the Retirement Living Council’s new guide to navigating the contract process.
“The RVRA tends to mostly be involved with moving in and moving out issues,” he said.
The Retirement Living Council’s top tips for choosing a retirement village:
- Decide what type of village will suit your lifestyle – do you like wide open spaces or apartment living? Do you want to be close to the beach or the bush, or stay in the city? There’s a village to suit all styles of living.
- Visit multiple villages before choosing your preferred destination. It helps to directly compare and contrast what different villages offer and leads to an informed choice.
- Speak to existing residents – they’ll always give you fearless and frank advice about their village.
- Meet the manager. The village manager is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the village, and will be an important person in the lives of all residents.
- Clarify what’s in the regular maintenance or service fee. Some villages have different rules about what is and is not included, such as some utilities.
- Find out about the residents’ committee. Residents often have a say in decision making in the village through the committee
- Ask about pets. Many people would like to take pets with them to the village, and villages can have different rules about allowing specific types of pets.
- Find out about village activities and services. Most retirement villages run a regular series of events and activities, from movie clubs to knitting groups to bocce tournaments. If you have particular hobbies or passions, it pays to find a village that will enable you to pursue them.
- Consider your future health needs. Some villages can facilitate the delivery of care and support services, or might have regular GP visits, while other villages partner with nearby or on-site aged care facilities.
- Seek independent legal and financial advice. The contract to move into a retirement village is different from a “normal” home purchase, so expert advice is vital for true peace of mind.
