What is the difference between aged care and retirement villages

As you or your loved one age, you may find that it’s time to look into supported accommodation. When does this typically occur? Usually, it happens when the family home becomes too much or is too big to take care of, or you need someone on hand for personal support.   
 
In Australia, various options are available, but the two most common are aged care residences and retirement villages. Here’s an overview to help you decide what is most appropriate for you or your loved one.

What is a retirement village? 

Retirement villages are designed for independent living. They provide a range of accommodation options, from one-bedroom units to spacious villas, all featuring easy-to-navigate, age-friendly designs.  

Here are some other features of retirement villages: 

• Community: Enjoy an active social life with organised events and like-minded residents. 

• Convenience: On-site amenities can include swimming pools, libraries, theatres and even golf courses. 

• Security: Many villages offer 24/7 emergency assistance and concierge services for peace of mind. 

• Support: Access to allied health services and community transport can help you maintain independence. 

• Affordability: Retirement villages often provide comparable housing at a lower cost than traditional homes. 

• Future planning: Many villages adjoin aged care facilities, ensuring a smooth transition if your needs change. 

 

What is an aged care home? 

Aged care homes, also known as residential aged care facilities, provide a comfortable and secure living environment for older people who can no longer live independently. They cater to individuals with varying needs, offering specialised care for conditions like dementia and palliative care. 

Here are some other features of aged care homes: 

• 24/7 care: Receive high-quality care around the clock from qualified professionals. 

• Personalised plans: Care plans are tailored to individual needs and reviewed regularly to ensure continued well-being. 

• Specialised care: Access dementia care, palliative care and respite care services. 

• Comfortable living: Enjoy nutritious meals, social activities, entertainment and optional extras like hairdressing or physiotherapy. 

• Supportive community: Build connections with fellow residents and caring staff. 

Varying fees: The cost of an aged care home depends on your chosen room type and individual financial circumstances. Government funding options may also be available. 

 

Difference between a retirement village and an aged care home 

Retirement villages are often called ‘independent living' or ‘over 55 villages’ and aged care residences ‘nursing homes’, although this is quite outdated. While there is support from employees in retirement villages, it is limited, compared with residential aged care, where there are employees on-site 24/7 to take care of residents’ needs in a far more structured manner.  
 
Retirement villages are a good option for residents who are still reasonably mobile and don’t require significant medical attention or assistance with personal care. Once a person starts to need more supervision and support with their day-to-day needs, residential aged care may be the more appropriate option.  

It can be hard to recognise all the differences, so here they are at a glance. Compare and contrast the details of retirement villages and aged care residences. 

Aged Care Residence:

• Driven by care needs
• Commonwealth legislation regulated
• Eligibility is determined by assessment, and residents enter into an agreement with the specific aged care provider
• Often subsidised by the Government for those who are eligible
• Nursing care and support services are provided daily
• Residential aged care costs can be divided into care, accommodation and living. The cost structure and fees vary between aged care providers, and an aged care assessment, known as an ACAT assessment, is required to grant access to a fully or partially government-funded aged care residence. 

 

Retirement Village:

• Driven by lifestyle choices
• State Government legislation regulated
• Residents enter into a private agreement with the village
• Self-funded through personal finances, superannuation or pension
• Living is independent
• Residents can receive extra support via arrangement with a third-party provider with a wide range of in-home services from personal care, respite, shopping, transport, medication management and cleaning, just to name a few 

 

Choosing between a retirement village and aged care

Retirement villages provide an independent lifestyle for those who do not need additional living assistance. Aged care residences can give those who need daily care a comfortable, safe, and active environment for years to come.  

If you’ve decided that an aged care home is more appropriate for your loved one, consider Estia Health. Estia Health has over 70 aged care homes across QLD, VIC, NSW and SA. If you have any questions or would like to chat with someone about our services, call us at 1300 682 833.