Planning your retirement is one key to making the most of your life. It's the phase to enjoy your hard-earned money as an adult by doing what you love and being in a place that allows you to have fun and relax.
One of the biggest decisions upon retirement is choosing the right residential aged care facility. It's where you'll spend most of your time, so it's crucial to pick one that suits your lifestyle. To help you out, here are some tips on selecting the best retirement home.
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Pick Your Preferred Location
The location significantly affects the comfort of a residential aged care facility. It concerns the climate suitable for the elderly, especially those with specific health needs. Therefore, picking the right place is vital.
If you love outdoor activities, choosing a location with a temperate climate is best. With frequent sunshine, you'll enjoy walking around the community or sunbathing by the pool. Aged care facilities like Southern Plus are located in regions with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for enjoying an all-year-round holiday.
Another factor to consider is accessibility. Picking a location close to your family and friends makes visitations more convenient.
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Evaluate Your Financial Status
Residential care homes require varying costs depending on the location, amenities, and health services offered. A wide range of retirement facility options cater to the elderly with different needs and financial statuses, so there's always a suitable choice for everyone.
There are different ways to finance your retirement. Some are covered by insurance, while you may also use your assets. Depending on your budget, you may choose from simple to mid-range care homes or luxury retirement facilities with hotel-like amenities.
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Assess Your Health And Wellness Needs
Your needs concerning health and wellness change as you grow older. Whether you're healthy or have an existing condition, your overall health should always be prioritised. Therefore, finding a residential aged facility that supports your well-being is vital.
All retirement homes provide primary healthcare services. They also conduct yoga classes and other wellness activities to maintain or increase mobility as you age. However, those who need intensive healthcare due to specific conditions should look for a facility that offers personalised health plans.
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Determine Your Desired Living Space
Some retirees refuse to live in a residential aged care facility due to the lack of living space compared to a traditional home. However, living alone past retirement can be risky, especially for those with severe health conditions. Good thing there are care homes with flexible, independent living options.
Some retirement facilities offer private suites with a separate living area, kitchen, dining, and bedroom. There are also studio-type accommodations as economical options. These apartment-type rooms are suitable for retirees who prefer independent living while being in a close-knit community with accessible assistance 24 hours, seven days a week.
On the other hand, choosing a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom is enough if you want something more straightforward. You may utilise the common living areas to socialise and build friendships around the community while having a safe and cosy space to relax.
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Prioritise Your Lifestyle
Just because you're retiring doesn't mean you have to leave your passion and give up the activities you love. In most cases, retirement means going back to the things you enjoy or even discovering new hobbies. Therefore, finding a residential aged care home with everything that brings you joy is essential.
Prioritising your lifestyle helps you create a checklist of what to look for in a retirement home. If you love playing golf, you must look for one with a golf course. There are also residential aged care communities with restaurants for delicate palates.
The key to adapting to your retirement is to align it with your current lifestyle. A retirement home should be able to offer the amenities and activities that give you joy. Remember, your happiness and comfort are always non-negotiable.
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Consider Recreation And Social Life
Living in the same community for years can cause boredom for some. However, a suitable residential aged care facility would have everything you need, including recreational and social activities.
Luxury retirement homes offer more amenities than regular ones. Some have in-house movie theatres, salons, spas, and gyms to provide recreation and create opportunities for socialisation. Assisted out-of-town travel programs would also be great for those who'd love to go on an adventure worry-free.
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Look For An Efficient Security System
A retirement home should always make you feel safe and secure. Looking for a place with an excellent security system is crucial to help ease your worries and enjoy your stay.
Efficient security is vital to every retirement home. There should be cameras, sensors, alarms, and round-the-clock security guarding all the entry points and roaming around the facility. These prevent stress among the residents, knowing they're always safe within the community.
Conclusion
Retirement should be fun and exciting. Choosing the right residential aged care facility helps you achieve the best life, so start planning today.
