86
Aged Care Guide
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2021
Retirement living and your choices If you are looking for a supportive environment with safety and security, you might like to consider a well managed retirement village. The size and levels of accommodation vary – from self contained independent living to serviced apartments. Think about the type of village you wish to live in and what you can afford on a continuing basis. It is essential that you ask questions to understand the financial implications of ‘owning’ a unit in a village.
Retirement living
Seek expert advice as well as that of your chosen village’s residents’ committee. Also, be sure to assess the culture and social side of the village to ensure they meet your expectations.
What is a retirement village?
Retirement villages are designed for people aged over 55 as an alternative housing and lifestyle option. They are popular with people who feel they need more security, support or company, but who want to maintain their independence.
Independent living
Independent Living Units (ILU), also known as villas or apartments are designed for active retirees. They range from one to four bedrooms and may be within a high or medium-rise complex, terrace housing arrangement, stand-alone or semi-detached.
Serviced apartments
Serviced apartments are generally one or two bedrooms and provide residents with some daily living assistance. Services may include cleaning, laundry and assistance with personal care. While a small kitchenette is usually included within the apartment, meals are provided in a dining room setting.
Residential aged care
Some retirement village complexes also offer residential low level care and high level care accommodation, as well as Home Care Packages for people with varying care needs. You will need an aged care assessment to access either of these care options. Go to page 22 to read more about the Home Care Packages or page 49 for information about aged care homes.
Types of villages
There are two types of retirement villages:
Resident funded village Donor funded village Resident funded villages are owned and operated by the private sector or not-for-profit organisations on a commercial basis to produce a profit or surplus.
