The benefits of living independently in the comfort of a secure community
For many, downsizing and moving into a retirement home is not an easy decision. After all, you’re leaving the home you’ve known and loved for many years of your life.
However, not having to worry about the daily upkeep of your home and garden could be considered a blessing – especially if your knees aren’t quite what they used to be!
With retirement living communities being designed with comfort, convenience and your ideal lifestyle in mind, countless retirees are finding it easier to make the switch – in fact, many of Uniting’s residents who are currently enjoying all the benefits of a retirement living community say they wish they’d done it sooner.
What’s the difference between independent and assisted living?
It’s important to know that there is a difference between independent and assisted living.
Independent living means that you’re able to live your life exactly as you’re used to, but with more friends around as many retirement communities are a “village within a village”. This means that you’re surrounded by a supportive community but are still able to relax in the privacy of your own home.
Assisted living means you’re able to get support if you need it, perhaps if you’re finding the chores more difficult than they used to be. It can also be helpful if you just want more free time for yourself.
Some retirement communities, such as Uniting Westmead, offer a range of services that can suit your needs.
Warwick and Barbara are new Uniting Westmead residents, and they couldn’t be more thrilled about the change.
“The house was a bit too much for us now,” explains Barbara.
“We don’t have to worry about changing lightbulbs or tap washers now, and we have a community of people we can now mix with,” laughs Warwick.
How do I know which one is for me?
Independent living is ideal if you’re looking to hand over the upkeep of your home and garden and enjoy your time in a retirement village. With so many amenities on offer at Uniting Westmead, such as a seniors’ gym, hair and beauty salon, a community café and a vegetable garden, you’ll have more than enough on your plate to keep your schedule jam-packed.
However, if you find that you’re struggling to keep on top of the housework or are having a bit more trouble physically with things than you used to, assisted living is for you. The right level of support can be tailored to each person’s requirements and you are able to add extra services to your plan if you need them.
What do the apartments look like?
The apartments have been designed with you in mind, with features that are bound to make your life easier. These include generous doorways, windows and corridors as well as level flooring.
If you’re worried about what might happen if you’re injured in your home, you needn’t be. This is due to the 24-hour emergency call system that’s in place in every apartment.
You can relax and enjoy open plan living spaces, a private balcony or courtyard as well as stainless steel appliances included in the apartment.
In the hotter summer months, it’s easy to keep cool with air conditioning as well as window furnishing, which are included.
Uniting Westmead is also right in the heart of Sydney, which is a key concern for Barbara and Warwick.
“The location is perfect, it’s across the road from Parramatta Park, which is ideal for the grandchildren,” says Barbara.
Warwick is also impressed with the location of the units.
“We didn’t want to be too far away from hospitals, but still wanted to be close to the family,” he explains. “We did our research, and as far as we’re concerned, Uniting ticked all the boxes.”
See what you may be missing out on, as you can chat to someone today who has made the move into Uniting Westmead.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Uniting Westmead.