24-hour care in your own home

Supported living communities combine the best advantages of retirement villages and nursing homes, to provide a new and welcome choice for seniors.

In a supported living community you buy and have a leasehold title to your own home – as in many retirement villages. However, unlike a retirement village, you’ll have access to various levels of personal care and nursing care, but this is provided in the privacy of your own home, a choice not available in nursing homes.

Care Communities

A new type of supported living is known as Care Communities. These are unique villages with the look and feel of a retirement village and the care of a nursing home.

Run by approved providers, you can access Government funding for Home Care Packages or privately funded home care services, with support provided in the comfort of your own self-contained home in the village.

No asset-testing or ACAT assessments

Acquiring one of these homes, which is not Government funded, is surprisingly easy. As with a retirement village, there is no need for asset testing or income testing.

There is also no need for an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) that nursing homes require. Furthermore, since there are generally no waiting lists, you are able to move in straight away. If you already receive home support benefits before moving to a supported living community you can stay with your current provider Care benefits can also be arranged if you’re in need of a care package.

Maintain your social life

While some residential aged care homes don’t cater for couples, supported living communities can offer the capacity for couples to stay together in their own home, even if they require different levels of care. The community centres offer many comfortable facilities, including lounge areas, libraries, television, games and activities rooms and tea and coffee facilities.

Friends and family are always welcome to pop in for visits, meals, family celebrations and to make use of the many facilities.

If you don’t feel like cooking at home, the dining room is available as an alternative and can be a great way to catch up with friends and neighbours.

Choosing a supported living community

There are various factors which may determine your transition to a particular supported living community. For instance, do you prefer a smaller environment, or would you rather be in a larger place with more activities?

Another factor which may help you come to a decision is whether the facility has amenities that are important to you, such as a gym, recreation centre, library, or a chapel.

Food and health is also a major determining factor in the supported living community you choose to reside at.

Before coming to a decision, ask the following questions:

Is the food appealing? What kinds of food are served?

Do you have the option of eating in your room?

Is it nutritious and appetising?

Are there different food options available?

How are health problems handled?

How does the community handle both emergency and non-emergency problems?

If you develop a medical condition, will you be able to remain in the supported living community? Would you be required to move elsewhere for medical care?

It’s important to remember, the facility you will be happiest at will not necessarily be the most expensive. The right community for you is the community where you feel ‘most at home’.

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.

Seek expert advice from a financial advisor and don’t be afraid to contact the village resident’s committee with any questions you may have. 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 31 to read more about Home Care Packages or page 61 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.

The village is funded by the residents who ‘purchase’ their villa or apartment under one of the tenure arrangements.

The residents also contribute to the village’s capital infrastructure and the cost of ongoing management.

Donor funded villages are normally owned and operated by not-for-profit organisations or church groups. They include an element of charitable subsidy and entry is generally restricted to the needy.

Ownership

The various forms of occupation or ownership rights are referred to as ‘tenure’. The legal forms of tenure include Strata Title ownership, leasehold estates, licences to occupy, freehold or company share arrangement with related residency entitlements.

Regardless of the type of tenure, residents are consulted about the ongoing management of the village. This ensures that the village you have chosen cannot be changed without the approval of the residents.

Deposit or entry contribution?

Before moving into a village, you will need to pay an entry contribution which is refunded if you move out of the village. However, a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) usually applies, and is deducted from the amount you receive back. This must be specified in the entry agreement or contract.