A significant decision for anyone is selecting a retirement village. When comparing communities, amenities and care options, location may not be given the same amount of thought as these other factors. For many people and their family members, however, location will often be one of the most important factors affecting how happy and connected they feel in their new home. All of this may seem trivial at first glance but can greatly impact how connected a person is to others and their daily life experiences.
When considering where to locate a retirement village, it is important not only to consider geographic location but also to think about how close the retirement village is to the things that are most important in a person’s daily life (family, healthcare provider, etc.) Establishing appropriate locations for retirement villages during the early planning stages can avoid problems also arising during the late stages of the planning process.
Staying Close to Family and Community
Many individuals aspire to remain within proximity to the locations where they have established their lives. Being able to drive a reasonable length to visit family makes it much easier for individuals to keep in touch with those family members. Individuals are also more likely to have good continued involvement and connection with local community groups (churches/social clubs and their friends) if they do not have to travel very far from their former residence.
For retirement villages near Pakenham and within the South-East Melbourne growth corridor, for example, there will be some real opportunities available, as this area has experienced significant amounts of new development over the last few years including the establishment of many retirement villages (including a number that provide new modern facilities) that are located in an area with which many existing residents will already be very familiar.
Access to Healthcare Services
Most retirees consider proximity to quality health care as necessary, and they will never compromise on this. As we age, we tend to need more frequently appointments with specialists, visits to hospitals, and overall allied health services. Additionally, if we have to rely on someone else to take us to appointments, this can quickly add up.
When considering retirement villages for yourself or family members, whether they are located in Pakenham or anywhere else, look carefully at the healthcare infrastructure in the area you are looking at. Is there a hospital nearby? Is there a medical centre within walking distance? Are there specialist clinics in the area? These questions will become increasingly important to you as time goes on.
Day-to-Day Convenience
For retirees, independence is connected to the capacity to complete everyday tasks independently of others – e.g., shopping, banking, getting their hair done, going out for coffee, picking up medications, etc. When they can do these things without needing to use a car, they maintain a level of independence, which positively affects their confidence and overall well-being.
Public transportation access should also be evaluated, primarily due to residents who cannot always drive. Residents who live in villages with good bus/tram service have increased independence and are less dependent on family members to drive them around to do their daily tasks.
Visit Before You Commit
Always visit a potential retirement community before committing. Does it suit your lifestyle and needs in terms of location and features? Only when you consider your life can you select a community that works perfectly!