Retirement villages vs aged care
Retirement villages and aged care aren’t the same thing.
Jenny chose retirement living with clarity, not caution
Sunday, 01 June 2025
Jenny’s decision to move into a retirement village was a considered one.
When Jenny decided to move into a retirement village at 69, not everyone saw the move the way Jenny did. Some quietly wondered if it was a little early, while others were cautious, influenced by headlines and conversations around things like exit fees and contracts. But Jenny stayed focused on what felt right for her, choosing to trust her instincts. She’d weighed the lifestyle, the financial implications and the contract with clarity and confidence.
Doing her due diligence
Jenny approached this next step in her life with the same calm confidence and clarity that had carried her through many decisions before. She didn’t rush. She took her time, asked questions and looked at every detail with care. "I researched on the legal side of things, the contracts, the clauses and the industry talk. I wanted to feel confident about my choice. I read up on everything, reports, articles, resident feedback and I asked lots of questions. Helen, the sales manager, was so helpful. She walked me through everything and answered every question clearly and patiently. Even before I consulted my financial lawyer I was clear on what the contract entailed," she says.
To make sure she had all her bases covered, Jenny also engaged a financial lawyer and a conveyancer. "It wasn’t about mistrust but it was about peace of mind. They confirmed it was all clear and well laid out. To me, this wasn’t about making a profit. It was about choosing a lifestyle where I’d feel supported, independent and secure. It was an investment in my lifestyle."
With the help of a financial advisor, she also crunched the numbers. “I looked at what I’d be paying monthly and compared it to what I’d save with the sale of my current home, no more water rates, gas bills, home insurance or gardening costs. It was a practical, smart shift. I wasn’t losing money although I would be paying a monthly fee, I was also investing in my safety, wellbeing and happiness."
I researched on the legal side of things, the contracts, the clauses and the industry talk. I wanted to feel confident about my choice. I read up on everything, reports, articles, resident feedback and I asked lots of questions.
Even before Jenny moved to The Brighton on Bay, she could picture herself living here
Although a little apprehensive about the unpredictable property market, Jenny decided to list her home over the December holiday period. She felt it was the right time in her life to make the move, while she was active, clear-minded and fully in control of the decision. She was prepared for a long wait, expecting the sale to take a few months. "The real estate agent told me to anticipate a three-month wait for an auction. To my surprise, the house sold in just three days and settlement was completed within 40!" she exclaims.
Thankfully, Jenny had already secured her apartment at The Brighton on Bay around the same time she put her house up for sale, which gave her time and breathing room. "I had until April to move in, which made downsizing and planning so much easier. I knew exactly what kind of home I was coming to, so I could thoughtfully choose what to bring, from furniture to little keepsakes," she says.
Although a little apprehensive about the unpredictable property market, Jenny decided to list her home over the December holiday period. She felt it was the right time in her life to make the move, while she was active, clear-minded and fully in control of the decision
Living in a retirement village
Today, Jenny is thriving. Her new home is everything she imagined, beautifully maintained, calm and perfectly located. "It feels more like a boutique hotel. I’m close to the city, public transport and everything I need. I sleep like a baby here. There’s a wonderful sense of calm and security. And the staff are amazing, they always check in to see how I’m settling in," she says.
Jenny finds the staff amazing and they always check in to see how she is settling in the resort
More than anything, Jenny feels deeply content. She’s independent, supported and surrounded by people who are positive and friendly. "This is the life I imagined. I’m happy and I feel like I’ve truly landed in the right place." Even her relationship with her son has enhanced. “He says this was the best decision I could’ve made. I don’t have to call him in the middle of the night or rely on him for anything anymore. In fact, now he calls me to ask for time together, ‘Mum, make time for me so we can go out,’ he says. That means the world to me."
To anyone considering a similar move, Jenny advises, "Trust yourself. Do your research. Take your time. Look at what kind of life you want to lead and choose what’s right for you. I made a confident choice to move here and it has been incredibly rewarding."
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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