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Retirement living or aged care: What’s the difference?
Choosing between a retirement community and an aged care facility will depend on your personal situation - particularly your health and if you can continue to live independently, safely. Retirement villages offer lifestyle and community living facilities alongside support services like home care. Residential aged care is often a better fit for those needing more intensive and ongoing health care.
We've put together a quick overview of each option to help you decide what might work best for you or your family.
Retirement communities
Retirement communities prioritise lifestyle and community, offering shared facilities and social connection while supporting those wanting to live an independent lifestyle.
Retirement village residents can also have access to personalised and flexible home care. While living in a retirement village, residents with government-funded Home Care Packages can access support for housekeeping, home maintenance, shopping and transport; in addition to support for everyday needs like mobility, showering and dressing. With access to home care, you can maintain your independence in the home and community you love.
Retirement living is a private option that's generally self-funded through personal finances, superannuation, or pension. You would enter into a private agreement or contract with the retirement village operator.
Residential aged care
Residential aged care homes offer residents professional and personal care support services that meet their specific ongoing health and wellbeing needs.
This option is best for residents who can no longer live independently or need 24/7 support. Eligibility for a place in aged care is determined through an assessment by Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT Assessment) or Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) if you’re in Victoria.
Aged care health services are specific to the individual needs of each resident and are a comfortable and safe environment for those needing consistent care. The government may subsidise your care and accommodation costs depending on your specific circumstances.
Weighing your options between retirement living or residential aged care isn't always straightforward. Contact us to learn more about the services and support that may work best for you.
Learn more about accessing residential aged care: My Aged Care