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Retiring at home or in a village: Pros and cons
Deciding whether or not to make the move from your family home into a retirement village can be tough. Thinking about the possible positives and negatives of either option can help you feel reassured in your decision, whichever path you decide to take.
We've put together a list of some of the advantages and disadvantages of both options to consider.
Retiring at home: Advantages
- Your home is familiar and comfortable. Staying means you don’t have to adapt to somewhere new.
- You love and know your local community. The people at the local shop know you and chatting at the cafe is an enjoyable part of your day.
- Your home might be conveniently located near your loved ones, meaning regular visits from family and coffees with friends.
Retiring at home: Disadvantages
- Your house might feel less accessible as you age. Old rugs become trip hazards, and stairs are harder to climb.
- Maintenance and upkeep can become a bigger burden. You might not feel as capable of keeping up with the chores and garden in a large family home anymore.
- You might feel more socially isolated and lonely, especially if family visits less frequently and neighbours have moved on.
- You might have less energy to cook, which could take a toll on your diet and health.
- With rising prices for bills, maintenance, and emergency repairs, you might be feeling the cost of staying at home.
Retirement village: Advantages
- Downsizing often means there’s less to clean and maintain.
- There are on-site staff to look after the gardening and maintenance so you don’t need to.
- You know your neighbours are at a similar life stage to you, so there aren’t likely to be late-night parties waking you up.
- A vibrant and sociable community gives you a sense of belonging.
- You can enjoy fun events and activities with some villages offering community hubs and leisure facilities. You could also make the most of enjoyable social outings.
- You can have peace of mind with many communities facilitating professional support for your health needs.
- You may be able to access support services if you need extra help with housework, meals, health and personal care.
- You may have some certainty around your living costs - knowing exactly what your fees are and what you get back when you leave.
Retirement village: Disadvantages
- If you move too far from your old neighbourhood, you could feel disconnected from that community.
- Moving can be hard work and you might need additional support from family or friends.
- You may not feel ready to downsize and part with some of your possessions.
The decision to downsize from your home into a retirement village is a personal one that will depend entirely on your priorities and circumstances.