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When’s the right time to move?
Getting older comes with many opportunities, but it can also have challenges too.
It's hard to know when you might need help. If you feel you might be struggling to manage everyday life in your family home, it could be a good time to think about a move.
Here are some things to consider.
Signs that your home might no longer be right for you
- You have trouble keeping up with home and garden maintenance like lawn mowing, cleaning, and repairs. The chores keep piling up and taking time away from doing what you love.
- Your home is located in an area that's now harder for you to navigate, like on a busy suburban street where it’s hard to get a carpark close by, or on a sloping block.
- Your home might start posing health and safety risks. Walking up the stairs to get to your bedroom, or climbing into a deep bathtub can cause injury or increase your risk of a fall.
Making it work for you
If you feel like you're struggling with day-to-day living in your own home, you could consider making some modifications.
Minor safety upgrades can make a world of difference. If you struggle with mobility, a bathroom handrail, a ramp or a chair lift on the stairs can make life more comfortable and safe.
You might be eligible for support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which can also provide you with help at home or to make basic safety modifications. Through this program, you may be able to have things like grab rails, ramps or easy access taps installed in your home. Find out more about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
You could also look into at-home care options, for assistance with everyday activities like shopping, housekeeping or traveling to appointments. Find out more about Home Care Packages.
Retirement villages
Where standalone homes can become overwhelming to maintain, in a retirement community, much of day-to-day life can be taken care of for you. Residents not only have a smaller place to clean but can enjoy common areas like gardens, community centres and swimming pools that are fully maintained by staff and designed specifically to meet the needs of older Australians.
It's expected that people start to struggle with day-to-day life as they age. Whether you make modifications to your current home or make the move into a more accessible retirement community, there are plenty of options to help you live well.
Seeking independent advice
The ideal timing for planning your transition into retirement living can vary based on individual circumstances, preferences, and the complexity of the move.
An experienced independent financial planner can be best placed to help you with this. They will work with you closely to understand your financial situation and your hopes for your retirement. They’ll then be able to provide you with options that can work best for you. There’s no set timeframe, as everyone’s situation is unique.