Myth #1: Nursing homes and retirement communities are the same thing

Contrary to popular belief, the two are quite different. Individuals who need a high degree of care and are unable to live freely at home are more likely to live in aged care centres, commonly known as nursing homes. 

On the other hand, you may live freely in your own house and enjoy community amenities in a retirement community. Although retirement communities and aged care facilities are sometimes combined to provide 24/7 assistance in case care requirements change, the two services are quite distinct from one another.

Myth #2: I’ll have to socialise and lose my independence

People often worry that they will be forced to socialise or that they won’t be able to have time to themselves. There’s enough to do if you want to get engaged in activities and make new friends, but you can also just unwind at home or enjoy some quiet time yourself.

Myth #3: You cannot bring pets to a retirement community

Pets are welcome in a lot of retirement communities, despite common assumptions. Make sure you review the rules on what is and isn’t appropriate when selecting a retirement community. 

Some places don’t permit dogs, while others could have restrictions on the size of your dog or where they can be let off the leash on the property. Additionally, see if there are any appropriate walking trails and a vet in the area.

Myth #4: You’re not cut out to be a gardener

The fact that gardening and upkeep are taken care of for you is one of the primary advantages of living in a retirement community; that being said, you are still permitted to have your own garden and have some fun with it. You are welcome to take care of your own garden. 

Myth No. 5: The cost is excessive

When you really take the time to weigh the expenses of living in a retirement community against those of a separate house or strata apartment in the same neighbourhood or neighbourhood, you may be shocked by the results. The costs of living in a retirement community may wind up being approximately the same, if not less, when you include in your present rent or mortgage, building insurance, bills, rates, house maintenance, entertainment, and several other living expenses.

Myth#6: I won’t be interested

Some individuals worry that they won’t have much to do after moving into a retirement community. In reality, retirement communities are meant to enhance quality of life in addition to making it simpler. 

A resident committee is usually there in every village, organising a wide range of social events and activities aimed at fostering a feeling of community and enhancing residents’ quality of life as they age. Numerous people have community buses, garden clubs, fitness organisations, planned social events, and much more. In addition, a lot of locations have amenities including cafés, restaurants, dance floors, gaming rooms, and swimming pools.

Myth #7: I need to be retired to live in a retirement village

You don’t really have to be retired to live in one, even though they are named retirement villages. It is entirely up to you how you want to spend your time and live your life; the majority of people are retired, but many others work either full or part-time. However, living in a retirement village has an age restriction; you have to be older than 55.

If you have any questions related to retirement living in Sydney, feel free to chat to the team at Marston Living.