12 December 2022
 Categories: , Blog

How do your parents react when you try to talk to them about retirement living? Do they make a quick exit like a vampire fleeing from sunlight? Even if their reaction isn't so extreme, they might just be dismissive about your suggestion. What's a practical and productive way to tell your parents that you think retirement living is something they should consider? 

Change of Circumstances

You have to think about why you believe your parents need to relocate. It could be a gradual change in their circumstances. 

• Their existing home may be too large for them to maintain, while also being more space than they need. 
• It might no longer be safe for them to drive, greatly limiting their mobility.
• Their health might be declining, and having medical care readily available is becoming increasingly relevant.

It's Not a Nursing Home

The trouble is that while you might talk about retirement living, they associate this with living in a nursing home. The type of clinical and sometimes palliative care on offer at a nursing home can be essential for many older Australians. Their health (both physical and cognitive) dictates that they need round-the-clock assistance. You need to be clear about the distinction between nursing homes and the type of retirement living villas that you think will be a good fit for them at this stage of their lives.

Gated Community

Retirement living in a self-contained villa should be an easy sell, once you can overcome any initial reluctance. A retirement living villa can be thought of as a private residence in a gated community, with facilities on offer that can be used or ignored. 

Ease of Life

The size of a retirement villa can be more manageable than a detached private home and property. It will be easier to keep the place clean and its outside areas maintained (with assistance readily available). Additionally, the streets outside are more amenable, with less traffic and reduced crowds. Many retirement communities have the feeling of a private suburb. And while it is a community with many facilities and events, it's entirely up to your parents whether they participate or if they'd prefer to keep to themselves. Even though it's a less visible aspect of many retirement communities, there is generally on-call medical care that's always available, which can be extremely reassuring if your parents' health is beginning to decline.

Of course, you must have a conversation about why you want your parents to think about relocating. But you may find it easier to convince them by actually touring a few different communities in your local area.