Live well with assisted living

Assisted living apartments are an attractive proposition for older Australians who desire a little extra support but know they are not ready for aged care.

For Betty and Marcus, long-term residents of the Aveo Lindsay Gardens retirement village in Buderim, they offer peace-of-mind as they age.

A fairly independent couple with a colourful history, Betty and Marcus originally moved to the retirement village to stay socially connected and for the convenience it offered.

“We’ve had a very blessed life. I think we have lived in 36 different homes during our married life! We have lived many different lives. It was my decision to initially look at retirement villages. I thought we would be lonely in a unit in Brisbane and the social aspect was huge – it means quite a bit for me! We originally moved into the village because we loved the environment, the gardens and the fact that we’re walking distance from Buderim. We just loved it and had a good feeling about it,” says Betty.

But after 23 years in their retirement villa, they soon realised the benefits of assisted living and the services it can provide to help retirees live well.

“We loved our villa, of course, but we decided it was time to move to assisted living in a serviced apartment. We’re not getting any younger, we are a little slower, and we thought that assisted living offers the ongoing services that we need to make life a lot easier,” Betty admits.

It was a move the couple have hardly regretted since.

“Our families were a little worried about us moving into an apartment at first, but now they have seen it, they are more than happy. We invited them over to look at it and they love it and the environment. They can see why we are living where we are,” Betty says.

“Our serviced apartment feels like home to us, it is very cosy. We are still fairly independent, but we receive so much support from the lovely staff onsite. From the front staff to the kitchen, everyone is always helpful.

“And after 67 years of cooking, I am very happy not to have to do that now. The meals are delicious, and staff even ask me what I would like in my meals – that is how good they are.”

For anyone who might be unsure about living in a retirement village, Betty’s advice is resounding.

“Don’t leave it too late. It can be traumatic and daunting, particularly if you are doing everything by yourself. Retirement villages have a great social aspect. You are never lonely and you can do as much or as little as you want.”