When it comes to residential communities for seniors, there are several options, from age 55+ and continuing care retirement communities to assisted living, nursing homes and more. While an aging adult’s needs and level of support are large deciding factors, one option that provides both independence and senior-friendly amenities is a retirement village.
More hands-off than assisted living homes and nursing homes, retirement villages allow residents to enjoy their independence while benefiting from a community. Retirement communities also often facilitate activities that promote health and social well-being.
Here, we explain what to expect from retirement villages.
What are retirement villages?
Retirement villages are residential housing complexes designed specifically for seniors, typically age 55 and older. They are designed for independent living in retirement, meaning residents can maintain an active and self-sufficient lifestyle.
In general, retirement villages are not fully equipped with medical facilities or care staff – in this way, they differ from assisted living homes and nursing homes.
Retirement villages may look a little different from complex to complex, but they usually offer features and independent living amenities that cater to senior living. These may include cafes, restaurants and gyms, as well as leisure facilities and planned social activities. Some even boast their own wellness spas, swimming pools, and libraries.
They are also designed with accessibility in mind, and so they may have features such as ramps, handrails and other mobility aids.
Retirement villages also make a great choice for couples. Rules and regulations vary from complex to complex, with some allowing couples and families as long as they meet the age criteria, which are usually 55+, 60+ or 65+.
Retirement villages typically include a mix of rental properties, such as retirement apartments, and homes for purchase.
What amenities do retirement villages offer?
Retirement villages vary in size and in the amenities offered, but in general, they are community-based, so their facilities are built around just that. They usually have communal spaces and planned activities, the purpose of which is to bring older people together and promote interaction at a time in life when older people may feel isolated or lose their sense of self.
Other facilities that can be offered in retirement villages include:
- Wheelchair accessible properties
- Handrails in bathrooms
- Light switches and plug sockets are within easy reach
- Lever-style door handles
- Safe entrances and exits
- Security or staff presence
- Access to emergency call systems
- Recreation centers, facilities and planned activities
- Transport connections
- Walking routes
- swimming pool
- Gyms
- Tennis courts
- Housekeeping services
- Food service options
- Laundry rooms
- Full kitchen
- Communal dining and cafe facilities
In retirement villages, residents still maintain their own independence – but can also use the services offered.
Do retirement villages provide transportation services?
Many retirement villages are well connected by public transport routes, while others may even provide their own taxi and transport services on request. Most retirement villages also have parking spots available for residents with their own cars.
Sometimes, retirement villages will facilitate communal outings for residents to shop, attend medical appointments or have a social outing. In this case, transport facilitated is often designed to be accessible for those with limited mobility – including public transport options or wheelchair accessible vehicles, or assistance for residents with special needs.
How do retirement villages differ from assisted living and nursing homes?
In other words, retirement villages are designed for independent living while assisted living and nursing homes, also called care homes, are set up for individuals who need a higher level of assistance and care. for daily living.
Residents in retirement villages usually live alone and manage their daily activities without assistance. Residents in assisted living communities maintain a degree of independence, but also receive support as needed, depending on their requirements. Nursing homes or care homes provide full-time care through on-site staff, including nurses, who can administer medication, provide medical care and administer rehabilitation services.
Another key difference is that residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes may be eligible for state care through the NHS or through disability or care allowances from the government, whereas retirees village is usually completely self-financed.
It’s also important to note that if you like the idea of living in a retirement village, but are not fully independent, you can still live in one of these facilities and get in-home care for more support.
It provides a balance of freedom and support in a communal setting.
What are the benefits of retirement villages?
The biggest advantage of retirement villages is that they provide services and socialization options for seniors.
In the largest ever study of retirement villages in the UK, carried out by ARCO and ProMatura, it was found that people living in retirement communities have healthier, more active, more social, safer and happier lives than to those who have not yet moved into a retirement community. Safety and security, food options and services, personal care, transport connections and activities or opportunities to socialize are key amenities on offer that appeal to many seniors as they find themselves in need of some support. Retirement villages provide only the facilities needed while allowing the elderly to remain in control of their lives as much as possible, preserving their independence as much as possible.
What factors should be considered when choosing a retirement village?
First and foremost, it’s important to consider you or your loved one’s personality and likes and dislikes when choosing a retirement village. Plus, it’s smart to be honest about which services you really need. While some older adults may want to live in an independent environment, the reality is that more support and care may be needed. By carefully examining both your desires and needs, the best choice can be made.
If you’ve decided a retirement village is the way to go, here’s another to consider:
Location. Location is an important factor to consider: it determines your proximity to family and friends, as well as essential services such as transport links, shops, GPs and hospitals.
Facilities. If you or your loved one enjoys swimming and tennis, choose a village with a pool and tennis courts. Having the right facilities available to you will ultimately boost your happiness.
Cost. Determine your budget for renting or buying and stick to it. Although high-end villages with more facilities will cost more, remember that you still want enough money to stay comfortable and ensure a stress-free lifestyle.
Future considerations. Think beyond now: if a higher level of care may be needed in the near or mid-future, consider the costs of those services in addition to the cost of the village.
The bottom line
Retirement villages are designed for independent living and community. Choosing between this option and assisted living or a nursing home depends on your or your loved one’s health condition, preferences and level of care required.
At the end of the day, retirement villages allow older adults who retain their independence to go back and enjoy life, hassle-free.
