Retirement Villages
Choosing a Retirement Home
By Graham Baylis Jr
Upon retirement, you may wish to downsize your property to something more manageable with easier access. However, before moving out of the area in which you currently reside, consider the impact of leaving friends and family behind will have. It may be that you are moving closer to your family, however you will probably still have to make new friends and all such things must be taken into account.
Retirement villages
If it is a retirement village that you are considering, there are many benefits in moving to one of these. Retirement villages are purpose built to accommodate the elderly and will be designed to be safe and user friendly. The other residents will be of a similar age and you will still have your independence with the added security of a warden to give assistance when required. Most villages also have a good social life, exercise regime and will be close to local amenities. They also tend to be very secure and as a result have a much lower crime rate. Many will allow you to bring your pet with you as well. There is normally a service charge to be paid when you reside in a retirement village and there may also be terms and conditions regarding the resale of your home if and when you move on.
A downsized home
If you are choosing a house in an ordinary complex or estate, there are some points to consider. For instance, how close you are to shops, public transport, doctors and your family, all these being more important in your retirement years and are thus important aspects. Remember too to visit the area at different times of the day and evening so that you can get an idea of when busy or noisy times are likely to occur. Ask if there is a neighbourhood watch scheme in the area. These schemes help deter crime and also assist in keeping eye on elderly neighbours. Having your home here, means that you are in control of all expenses and you will have your own garden to do with as you please, but on the downside you lose all the advantages of a retirement village.
Easy access needed
Whatever properties you look at, do make sure that you have easy access to local services and that you are not going to be isolated. Find out about social events and activities for retirees, there may be a whole new social life for you to discover. Safety is paramount, particularly as we get older, so your new home should reflect this. It is probably a good idea to choose a bungalow or ground floor home as there will be less chance of falling or tripping on steps and stairs. Accessories such as hand rails in the bathroom are a good idea. Check the security of the windows and doors and find out if any fitted security lights and alarms are in good working order. Consider parking space, as even if you don't have a car, your visitors may.
Finally, talk to friends and family, take some time to work out the costs and make a list so that you can consider all the pros and cons. Once you have all the facts, you can make an informed choice and have the home you really want.
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