If you’re thinking about moving to Retirement Living, you will most likely do some research, and read and talk to everyone and anyone all about it before you make the move. While you’re asking around, you might find some helpful information, and you may also come across information that concerns you.
How do you tell fact from fiction when you’re investigating your Retirement Living options?
You might have concerns or fears about moving into a Retirement Village, and this is perfectly natural. It’s a big change! But in our experience, a lot of those concerns aren’t based on reality, and when people come and have a look at our retirement villages, they’re pleasantly surprised.
Once they move in most residents say they wish they did it sooner!
If you’re retirement planning in Australia, we’ve separated fact from fiction to debunk any ideas about Retirement Villages that may be either outdated or untrue, so that you can have a better idea of the endless benefits of moving into a Retirement Community at TriCare.
1. Myth: Retirement Villages are boring
Fact: Retirement Villages are vibrant Communities full of many social opportunities and activities
You can be rest assured that life in one of our Retirement Living Communities is far from dull!
Our Retirement Living Communities offer a wide range of social activities organised by each Village’s Resident Social Committee, from group fitness classes and hobby groups to social events and outings. Each of our Communities is designed to foster engagement and social interaction, ensuring residents can lead active and fulfilling lives surrounded by others who want to do the same.
Many of our residents enjoy the freedom and flexibility too, as you can engage with as many or as little social activities as you like. Whether you’re interested in gardening, arts and crafts, or simply want to enjoy new friendships, TriCare Retirement Villages provide many opportunities to stay entertained and connected.
2. Myth: Retirement Villages are not good for your health
Fact: Retirement Living can significantly improve your physical health and wellbeing
Retirement Villages are designed with residents’ health, wellness, and longevity in mind. Each of our Retirement Communities offers a unique range of modern amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, mini golf courses, and more, as a way to encourage physical activity either alone or with friends and family. Many of our Villages are surrounded by lush natural surroundings and walking tracks for residents to explore too.
It’s also important to remember and plan for what’s best for your mental health when retirement planning in Australia. The vibrant and diverse social environment of our Retirement Communities also helps to combat loneliness and isolation, which can be common mental health issues for older adults transitioning into retirement. Retirement with TriCare also means you’ll have an array of medical and security services, providing you with peace of mind and invaluable support to enjoy your days fully.
3. Myth: It’s better to wait until you need to move
Fact: Choosing to move into a Retirement Village early can prevent future health hazards and improve your quality of life
While you might be hoping to delay moving as long as possible when you’re thinking about retirement planning, waiting until health issues or other circumstances force a move might actually limit your choices and add stress to a time of life many people already find challenging.
Downsizing to a home in a Retirement Village while you’re still active and independent allows you to fully enjoy the community’s benefits. It also means you’re better prepared for the future, including future health needs, with access to necessary services and support. Early movers often find that they thrive in a stimulating and supportive environment, avoiding many of the hazards that come with living alone or in less suitable accommodations.
Most of our Retirement Communities also offer serviced apartments which offer additional services like laundry, housekeeping, meals, and more. And it’s an easy move in the future if you live at one of our co-located Retirement Living locations if you decide to transition into an Aged Care Residence if your health needs change (or your partner’s) and you need special medical attention or support.
Many early movers often discover they thrive in the supportive environment after downsizing to one of our units or apartments, as they form new friendships and participate in activities that bring both joy and fulfillment during their retirement days, all while avoiding the hazards of living alone or in less suitable accommodation.
4. Myth: Retirement Villages are too expensive
Fact: TriCare Retirement Villages provide excellent value for the amenities and services included, and can help you budget for the future
While there is an upfront cost and ongoing fees associated with moving into a Retirement Village, these homes are usually at a much lower cost than the equivalent home outside of a Retirement Village – and they come as great value for money!
Many Retirement Communities offer a comprehensive range of services, amenities, and activities that would be costly if paid for individually. Similar to a body corporate fee, each of our Retirement Villages charges a monthly fee to help cover annual operational services, including maintenance, administration, facilities, and more. TriCare does not profit from these fees.
While we understand moving into a Retirement Village comes with a financial commitment that needs careful consideration, the peace of mind and convenience of having these services readily available can contribute to your quality of life, often making the cost well worthwhile. For more information click here.
5. Myth: You’ll lose your independence
Fact: Retirement Living can support your independence, empowering you to live confidently on your own for longer
A major concern for many is the fear of losing independence and autonomy to live the life you want to live. But our Retirement Villages are designed to support and even enhance your independence for longer as you start to get older.
With various modern and spacious living options, from fully independent villas to assisted living apartments, you can choose the level of support that suits you or your loved one’s unique needs. As a resident of our Retirement Communities, we’ll also take care of maintenance and landscaping so you can spend more time doing what you love, without the risk of injury. But if you prefer to take care of your own garden or handle anything yourself you’re more than welcome to; the important thing is that now you have the choice!
6. Myth: Retirement Villages are only for the elderly and frail
Fact: Our Retirement Living Communities cater to active and independent seniors aged 65 and over
You might picture Retirement Villages as places solely for seniors who are very elderly or need constant care. But TriCare Retirement Communities are vibrant hubs for active seniors, offering a wide range of amenities and social events to promote your fitness, well-being, and overall lifestyle.
Each TriCare Retirement Village has its very own Resident Social Committee which manages and plans an ongoing schedule of activities and events for you to connect with others, enjoy hobbies, and stay active. From excursions, rallies on the tennis courts, games of croquet or lawn balls, and fitness classes, to creative workshops, happy hour events, and bingo nights, there is always something for everyone to make your retirement lifestyle as vibrant as possible.
7. Myth: There’s a low quality of care
Fact: Retirement Living offers you a constant source of support and security
We are committed to excellence at TriCare, and the amount of care we give our Retirement Living Communities is no exception. Our dedicated staff and groundskeeping team go to great lengths to create a relaxing and hassle-free lifestyle for our residents, ensuring beautifully landscaped gardens and well-maintained amenities to call your own.
Each of our Retirement Villages is also equipped with a 24/7 call system to provide you with an extra layer of reassurance and security, should you need any help. You can enjoy an active lifestyle while having the peace of mind that additional support, security, and services are available if you ever need them.
8. Myth: I don’t want to feel stuck in a Retirement Village
Fact: TriCare Retirement Communities are designed to promote your freedom and independence
The idea that moving into a TriCare Retirement Village means giving up your freedom couldn’t be further from the truth. At TriCare, we understand that your independence is key to a fulfilling retirement and flexibility is highly important in case anything changes.
While moving into our Retirement Communities can feel like a big move – as any house move or large change can – rest assured that you’re welcome to sell your home at any time, should you change your mind, or if your needs change.
Our Retirement Villages are welcoming Communities where you’re free to be engaged as much or as little as you like with resident activities and events. The choice is always yours with TriCare.
9. Myth: Downsizing is too much work
Fact: Downsizing to one of our Retirement Villages means less work in the long term
The idea of downsizing can indeed seem daunting, especially if you’ve lived in your current home for a long time. But downsizing to a home that suits your current life better is worthwhile labour as it means you can embrace a rewarding retirement lifestyle within a TriCare Retirement Community.
When you decide to live in one of our Retirement Villages, you’re choosing a life free of maintenance and excess chores, where you are supported in a variety of ways. With all of the outdoor maintenance taken care of, and additional services like laundry, housekeeping, and delivered meals available in some Villages and Serviced Apartments, your life in a Retirement Village is one of ease and convenience.
Many of our residents also find downsizing to be liberating, as you make room for your new retirement lifestyle and home for one that is free of clutter, maintenance, and hassle.
10. Myth: I will feel isolated from my family and friends
Fact: Our Retirement Villages welcome your loved ones and make hosting easy
We understand that you may be worried about losing touch with your family and friends when you move into a Retirement Village, but when you’re a TriCare resident, we actively encourage you to maintain regular contact with your friends and family.
Retirement Living can even provide more opportunities to connect with your loved ones than before. Each of our Retirement Communities is built with your social life in mind, from making entertaining guests at home easier with spacious living spaces and kitchens to offering you everyday access to barbecue areas, tennis courts, croquet lawns, indoor and outdoor bowls, swimming pools, and more to share with your loved ones. With ample parking spaces and other communal spaces like cafes, gardens, libraries, and more, you’ll never be short on fun things to do.
Many of our residents also opt for a Retirement Living unit or serviced apartment with an extra bedroom or two that is perfect for hosting friends, interstate family, or sleepovers with grandchildren.
What are you waiting for?
Life in a TriCare Retirement Community can be fun and social, as you can spend your retirement doing what you love within a tight-knit Village of like-minded people. Moving into a Retirement Living community is a great option when you’re planning retirement in Australia, as it is the ideal choice for your next chapter, providing a supportive and enriching environment for you to live.
Want to find out more about the benefits of living at one of our TriCare Retirement Living Communities? Book a tour or make an inquiry below.
