Central Coast Home and Lifestyle Spring 2022

Central Coast Retirement Lifest yle

Relax and live a carefree coastal life Have you been wondering whether it's time to downsize but don't know where to start? Maybe you’re starting to think your family home no longer suits your lifestyle and needs. Maintaining the home and garden might be a bit of a struggle, or your health might be declining and you’d like to live in a more supportive environment. Moving to a retirement village could be just what you’re looking for at this point in your life. Because retirement villages are purpose-built for older people, they offer many lifestyle and practical benefits. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, feel safe and secure and can enjoy more quality time with family and friends. The Central Coast offers Retirement living surrounded by natural beauty, seaside towns, beaches, national parks and of course, the stunning hinterlands. Embrace the relaxed lifestyle typical of our coastal communities. Enjoy scenic seaside strolls, fishing on the lake and picnics in the park. Discover the endless blue waters, unique bushland and diverse landscapes. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty where each day can be an adventure. Retirement living choices on the Coast can provide you with everything from a high standard of care or an independent and comfortable lifestyle to suit your individual needs as there is many attractive options available.

Theperksof retirement village living R etirement brings about an exciting opportunity to try new things, with more time to enjoy life. It can also mean complex decisions, such as whether to downsize and what this really entails. Retirement villages are open to those 55 years and older, and for couples, only one personmust be 55 years or older. The Salvation Army Aged Care operates seven retirement villages across Australia and Tracey Johnson, the manager of Warringah Place Retirement Village located in Collaroy, Sydney, explains more about retirement living. “It is a very personal decision, but the time must feel right,” Tracey says on moving into a retirement village, “However, I would suggest joining earlier rather than later, when you are able bodied and can join in on the fun of village life.” A retirement village is comprised of independent living units, and staff look after all maintenance including guttering, lawn mowing, gardening and window cleaning. One of the key differences of downsizing to

if there is a deferred management fee (exit fee) and rules on capital gains. The attitude of the staff towards the residents is another important consideration because this sets the overall atmosphere of the village, “are they kind and compassionate, do they answer all questions?” Life at Warringah Place Retirement Village means that there are several social activities and gatherings for residents to partake in as much as they wish. During the pandemic, the Village still held morning teas and even trivia, with residents joining in from their balconies, shouting out their answers across the lawn. For residents who are less eager to join in, staff offer their assistance in many other ways. The bond between the residents and staff is friendly and genuine, enabled by staff going that extra mile to assist the residents, and residents even invite staff to their own functions. Tracey states, “I think it makes them feel loved, cherished and important by having someone who’s looking out for them. The residents really appreciate it.” Want to learn more about retirement living? Speak to our friendly team on 1300 111 227 or send us an email at agedcare.enquiries@salvationarmy.org.au.

a retirement village instead of a regular unit or apartment is the strong sense of community. “If a resident hasn’t seen another resident in a while, they ask about them. We then tell them where they are or check in on that resident,” Tracey explains, “I also do regular welfare checks to see how residents are. This hit home so strongly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Had it been a regular unit, residents would have been so isolated. I made sure, even during lockdowns, to walk through the Village every day, sometimes two, three times a day, so that people could see me, and they would shout out greetings.” When selecting the right retirement village for you, Tracey advises, “You need to physically walk around the village to get the full feel for it, don’t just look online. The staff should take you on an in-depth tour and you shouldn’t feel rushed. Once you have narrowed down your choices, go back to those villages a few more times on your own and explore further.” Other things to make note of are the condition of the buildings and the gardens, if the people are friendly, what the village offers, whether there are easily accessible shops and public transport, if the village has their own transport and financial matters including contract options, recurrent charges,