6 Different Types Of Retirement Communities in Australia?
Deciding to downsize from the family home and explore retirement living is a big step, whether it’s for you or a loved one. There’s much to think about beyond just finding a new place to live.
You’ll need to consider lifestyle preferences, how close you want to be to family, financial factors, and your future plans.
Are you looking to move to a popular lifestyle spot, or is staying near family more important to you? Do you want to travel more, or are you looking for a place where you can enjoy your hobbies? Understanding the different types of retirement communities in Australia is key to making a decision that fits your post-retirement goals.
Here, we explore six types of retirement communities in Australia that will help you find the best fit for your needs.
Types Of Retirement Communities in Australia
Let’s dive into the six distinct types of retirement villages in Australia to help you find the perfect place to call home as you enter this new chapter of life.
1. Retirement Villages
Retirement villages are one of the most popular types of retirement communities in Australia for people over 65 who want security and support while maintaining their independence.
These communities offer a strong camaraderie, with residents forming informal support networks and social groups.
They typically consist of apartment buildings or resort-style complexes with shared community facilities. Residents can enjoy an active social life and travel without worrying about property maintenance, as village staff handle those tasks.
Common Features
- Low-maintenance homes with no gardens
- Wider corridors and doorways
- Adapted bathrooms for mobility devices
- 24-hour emergency call buttons
- Shared community facilities (swimming pools, social spaces, etc.)
- Onsite management and gated entry
- Informal support networks and social groups
Best For
Retirement villages are ideal for singles and couples over 65 who want to live independently with added security and support and enjoy an active social lifestyle.
2. Apartment or Townhouse
Downsizing to an apartment or townhouse, also known as rightsizing, is an excellent option for retirees looking to simplify their lives. These homes offer as much security as detached houses but have smaller yards and lower upkeep costs.
Serviced apartments in retirement villages are smaller units ideal for singles who find daily chores challenging.
Residents remain part of the community, can enjoy meals in communal dining rooms, and have the option to receive cleaning and care services.
Common Features
- Smaller yards with lower upkeep costs
- Balconies, courtyards, and small gardens for privacy
- Located in secure retirement villages
- Access to communal dining rooms for major meals
- Optional room and linen cleaning services
- Availability of care services
Best For
Apartments or townhouses are best for retirees who want less space to maintain, enjoy a secure living environment, and prefer having the option for additional care and communal dining, especially suited for singles.
3. Land Lease Communities
Land lease communities, also known as over 55s lifestyle and resort communities, are rapidly growing in Australia.
These communities offer affordable housing with various resort-style facilities.
In this unique home ownership model, you own the home but rent the land it sits on, reducing overall costs. Originating from the caravan park industry, homes are typically manufactured off-site and transported to the community.
Common Features
- Own your home, rent the land
- Affordable housing options
- Centrelink support for land rental
- Homes manufactured off-site
- Gated community for added security
- Resort-style facilities (bowls, tennis courts, swimming pools)
- Community of like-minded retirees
Best For
Land lease communities are best for younger retirees (50+) seeking affordable, upmarket housing with the benefits of a gated community and resort-style amenities while living among like-minded individuals.
4. Independent Living
Residents typically live in fully equipped apartments and can receive extra assistance with chores and health conditions as required.
These communities offer various meal plans and opportunities for an active social life. They provide a sense of togetherness and combat the loneliness commonly experienced by the elderly.
Common Features
- Low-maintenance homes with no gardens
- Wider corridors and doorways
- Adapted bathrooms for mobility devices
- 24-hour emergency call buttons
- Shared community facilities (swimming pools, social spaces, etc.)
- Onsite management and gated entry
- Informal support networks and social groups
Best For
Retirement villages are ideal for singles and couples over 65 who want to live independently with added security and support and enjoy an active social lifestyle.
5. Co-located villages
Co-located villages are a long-term solution for retirement living, offering peace of mind and convenience. These villages consist of a retirement village and an aged care home (nursing home) on the same block of land.
Residents benefit from the assurance that they can transition smoothly to the nursing home when needed without having to leave their familiar community.
Operated chiefly by not-for-profit organisations, co-located villages provide a sense of continuity and support for residents and couples.
Common Features
- Retirement village and aged care home situated next to each other
- Smooth transition from retirement village to nursing home
- Sense of continuity and peace of mind
- Not For Profit organisation operated
- Couples can stay together
Best For
Co-located villages are best suited for retirees looking for a long-term solution with the assurance of a smooth transition to aged care when needed without leaving their community. They’re especially beneficial for couples who want to stay together and have peace of mind about future care needs.
6. Nursing homes
Nursing homes offer ongoing care for pensioners, ensuring safety, security, and a better quality of life. They can be government-funded, making them accessible to retirees needing continuous care.
It is ideal for those requiring around-the-clock nursing care, including short stays for surgery recovery or long-term care with high medical assistance.
Residents may stay in shared or semi-private rooms and receive meals in the dining room or in their rooms if they are unwell. While less socially active assisted living homes, nursing homes still offer some social events, with personalised programs based on individual needs.
Common Features
- Ongoing care for everyday tasks
- Government funding available
- Around-the-clock nursing care
- Short stays for recovery or long-term care
- Shared or semi-private rooms
- Social events and personalised programs
Best For
Nursing homes are best for retirees needing continuous care from nurses and professionals, whether for short-term recovery or long-term support. They’re suitable for those unable to afford home care and requiring medical assistance.
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