Finding the ideal home for yourself in retirement
Yukana’s managing director Brett Mullen shares some tips to help you choose the best home for the next life chapter
IT CAN be difficult to know when and how to start looking into a retirement home.
The Chronicle had a chat with Yukana managing director Brett Mullen about making this important decision
When should I start considering my options?
When you begin to progress into the next stage of life.
You may find you have more time on your hands as friends and family age or move further afield, or your home may be hindering your quality of life.
A community environment such as a village can help you to remain active and independent for longer.
You’ll want a familiar support group and community to stay with you as you age.
There are seniors living, lifestyle villages, retirement villages and nursing homes — all of which cater to a different phases of life.
For 50s to 60s, the emphasis is on lifestyle — you will most likely be just retiring or still be working and looking for additional lifestyle choices; a safe and secure base to call home.
For 70s to 80s, the emphasis is on aging well and adding care and support as needed in a community setting.
For those over 80, care and support becomes very important, accessing assistance for things you can no longer do yourself.
Once you determine what’s most important to you, you can start looking for a home that best suit your needs.
What should I consider before making a choice?
There are several factors to consider:
■ What services are provided as you become unable to do things for yourself? Look into the maintenance services, care solutions and support, assistance and staff a facility has.
■ Is it safe and secure? Is there an emergency call system in place?
■ Does the style of village/ resort/home suit what you have in mind for this chapter of life? Does it cater to your age and lifestyle?
■ Do you like the accommodation? Is it clean and well looked after? Comfortable? Does it meet your requirements and needs?
■ Is it close to facilities like shops and services? Is there a bus or personal transport service to take you to appointments?
■ Are there on-site services, like hairdressers, café, visting doctors or health proffesionals, etc?
■ Can you stay even if your care needs change (aging in place)?
■ Do you like the atmosphere and community?
■ What about the people who manage and run it, do you like them?
■ What choice is offered in the financial models? What are the costs? What about extra and how much do they cost?
Make sure you ask lots of questions and understand the answers you receive.
If you don’t understand, ask more questions.
A move to a retirement village is all about a choice — it should be a place where you can live and age well.
Should family members be included in the decision?
Absolutely yes!
The legal aspects of buying into a seniors/lifestyle or retirement village can be quite complex, so it’s a good idea to get family to look over the paperwork with you and help with the decision process.
It’s a must to have a solicitor check your contracts with you to make sure you understand everything before you sign.
I’m interested in Yukana — what next?
Yukana is open every day by appointment.
We are always happy to arrange a tour and answer your questions.
Just call us on 4631 5678. You can also visit the website at yukana.org.au for details.
‘‘ A MOVE TO A RETIREMENT VILLAGE IS ALL ABOUT A CHOICE — IS THIS MOVE GOING TO ASSIST YOU TO LIVE AND AGE AS WELL AS YOU CAN?” BRETT MULLEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT YUKANA