There are a number of retirement living options around for retirees in Australia, the most common being independent living units (ILU) in retirement villages. A retirement village can be described a community for retirees or for those who are at least over 55, and are often gated communities.
Retirement Villages include a range of units, which are described as Independent Living Units because they are designed for retirees to live independently. There is no ongoing nursing or medical care, however some villages may offer this service for an extra fee.
Many retirees who do not need to live in a residential aged care home enjoy living in retirement villages, because the down size to a unit is easier to maintain and they have the benefit of the security of a gated community with their peers.
If the idea of a retirement village appeals to you but you need a bit of help with daily living tasks, then a serviced apartment may be better than an independent living unit.
Some retirement living providers offer serviced apartments as well as independent living units, meaning that for an additional monthly fee the resident is offered some help with daily living tasks. This may include help with cleaning, cooking, ironing, garden maintenance. The services offered will vary between villages so it’s important to check with the village manager.
A third option is a Flexi Unit which is a cross between an ILU and a serviced apartment. If you live in a Flexi Unit then you can access services commonly found in a serviced apartment on a pay-for-service basis. Rather than paying a monthly fee for a serviced apartment you can purchase additional services as you need or want them.
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