How to tell if your parents are ready to move to a retirement village

Think about these 5 points before you decide

Today’s retirement villages are more like luxury resorts than the ‘old folk’s homes’ of the past. They boast modern, spacious homes and villas, large entertainment areas, libraries and workshops, and a full range of activities to keep any retiree fit and active.

That's probably why more people are making the move into a retirement village even younger, in their late 50’s. They want to make the most of the amenities, the convenience, the great social life, and the flexibility that only retirement communities can offer.

You may already be 'sold' on a retirement village as being the best place for your parents to live once they've retired. But how do you know for sure if they're ready?

In this news post we put forward a few questions that may help you tell if your parents are ready to let go of the family home and move forward into a brand new luxury retirement lifestyle. It's then just a matter of broaching the subject with them!

1) Are mum and dad fit and healthy?

There’s a misconception that retirement communities are somewhere you go once you’ve started slowing down. On the contrary! They offer an incredible array of opportunities to stay active and keep, or get fit.

Most retirement villages have walking and bike paths located near natural bush settings. Some even have walking (or dog walking) groups to make the experience more social.

Facilities can include bowls, swimming, gymnasium and organised classes such as yoga, tai chi and stretching. So if your mum and dad are still healthy and full of energy, a retirement village can be the ideal place for them to call home.

2) Are your parents simply tired of managing and maintaining their home?

This is one of the most common reasons people move into a much simpler life in a retirement community. If mum and dad are spending too much time cleaning and maintaining a large family home, and not enough time out enjoying retirement, then it's a pretty clear sign it's time for them to think about downsizing.

With a smaller home to care for, your parents' house duties will be greatly reduced – which means they'll have more time to do the things that matter more.

Your parents can still exercise their green thumbs if they wish, but the difference is they can do as much or as little as they want. When people move into retirement living and see what else is on offer, most quickly decide to hand over those other responsibilities to the village team!

3) Would they be better off living near people at a similar life stage?

Think about where mum and dad are currently living. Are there many people in your neighbourhood they can really relate to, or have they all moved on?

In a pleasant suburb full of working young families, it's all too easy for retirees to start feeling alone, isolated, and lonely. Nobody deserves or wants to live like that.

A move into a retirement community has been proven to give a real boost to people’s health and social wellbeing. It's the chance to connect with people at the same age and stage of life – so even if they move into a retirement village not knowing a soul, it won’t be long before they find their group (or groups) and begin to form strong bonds that will sustain them in the years to come.

4) Your parents love where they live, but not so much how they’re living

Ask people who’ve made the decision to move from family home to retirement village whether they loved where they lived previously and most will say – yes!

Of course, it’s natural if your family home holds wonderful memories of raising your kids in a neighbourhood that was friendly, within a community that was familiar.

Ask those same people how they feel now about their move into a retirement village and the most common answer you’ll hear is “It was the best decision we ever made,” and “We wish we would have made it sooner.”

Why is that?

Most of these people loved where they were living, they just didn’t love how they were living. They wanted a fresh start, a simpler, more independent life, free from the clutter of the past and with fresh, exciting opportunities for the future.

You can help mum and dad by letting them know you're okay with them letting go of the family home, and making a decision that suits them. 

5) Are your parents prepared for what lies ahead in retirement?

It’s important to think about what you want your parents' life to look like, both now and into the future. You may think they are invincible, that they can continue on with life the way it is. The reality is they're not... and it won’t.

Your parents may be quite settled now, but what of the future? What happens when they're not as mobile, when their health deteriorates, and they start having to rely on others? This can create an enormous burden on their friends, or you as their family. 

How much better would it be for them to move now while fit, healthy, active and able to fully enjoy life? It pays to plan for tomorrow today. 

Visit Renaissance with your parents to find out more

Retirement living has come such a long way in recent years. Our community is built for active retirees, people who want to enjoy every moment, join in fun activities with like-minded friends, learn new skills and take off on adventures!

We invite you to come for a visit with mum and dad and see for yourself whether our community is a good fit for you. Call Renaissance today on (07) 3820 7700 or get in touch online to book a time.