Moving to a Retirement village

 CentreLink article appearing in the June 2009 Financial Planning magazine Summarised version.

Retirement Villages are suitable for those over 55 who can look after themselves. Some also feel the need for increased security, support/company whilst still maintaining their independence

Varied Types of Accommodation on Offer

• Self Care units
  These meet the above criteria and allow for independent living
• Serviced units
  Generally you eat at a communal area or have meals delivered, cleaning and maintenance support is provided and nursing facilities are available if needed.
• Residential Aged care homes
  Different age pension rules apply for those in classified as high /low care and in an on site aged care accommodation

Entry Payment on Moving In (non Residential Aged Care cases)
The ‘entry contribution” varies but can range up to the cost of the unit.
Similarly depending on the village additional charges for services may be levied. The entry contribution will determine whether CentreLink confers homeowner status based on a formula used of whether rent assistance is receivable.

Further Centrlink complications can arise where members of a couple are accepted as being a couple separated by illness.

Comment
Many Retirement villages are taking the logical step of providing varying facilities so that their clients can remain in the village environment even though their medical situation demands increased medical assistance.