The end of one year, and the start of another, is often a time where people reflect on their plans for the future, and what changes they need to do to improve their lifestyle. Common resolutions involve such things as losing weight, getting healthy, being more careful with money, and generally doing things better in the year ahead.
One thing relevant to seniors is that often this is the time of year to consider whether current accommodation is suitable, and whether a change is appropriate.
It is also the time of year when families get together (sadly often a rarer event these days).
A feature that comes up in these gatherings, when on reflecting on the year ahead, is a recognition that perhaps Grannie and Grandpa aren’t looking as sprightly as they did last year, and perhaps the time has come for them to consider moving into a Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort, or even Aged Care.
These decisions are not easily made, and often encounter some initial resistance, but over time there is usually a recognition that the house seems bigger, the maintenance workload greater, the health issues too significant, or even the lack of community and communication is becoming burdensome.
Retirement Villages and Over 50s Resorts inevitably involve a “downsizing” of accommodation, but often an “upsizing” of community involvement through the Retirement Village or Resort. In fact some in the industry call it “right sizing”.
If that move has already been made, or even if the stay “at home” has been extended, often the health issues are significant enough that a move to Aged Care is necessary.
A decision to move into a Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort or Aged Care is best done as a whole of family decision, with the involvement of the seniors, as well as their supportive children (themselves often in their 50s or more). Commonly it is the children who first see that “Mum and Dad”/” Nanny and Pa” are only just managing, and a change from the home to a Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort or Aged Care may be timely, and beneficial.
A move into a Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort or Aged Care facility is a significant legal decision as well, as the terms of Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort and Aged Care contracts are complex, lengthy, and onerous. It is essential that the seniors, and their family, understand the ramifications of what they are signing, and what it means to them down the track. Generalist advice isn’t good enough. Sunshine Coast Elder Law are experts in the area of Retirement Village, Over 50s Resort and Aged Care contracts. Contact them on 1800961622 or visit www.sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au. We offer fixed fee for advice and assistance with Retirement Village, Over 50s Resorts and Aged Care Contracts.
We have extensive information on our site, including the 24 things one should look for in a Retirement Village, and all the recent changes in the law relating to Retirement Villages.
