COVID-19 has been a reality check for many older Australians, especially those that are ‘isolated’ in their homes without a nearby relative to support them.
Going forward, all older Australians will now reflect on the security of ‘life’.
The media and the government talk about ‘technology’ being one answer, but it is not always an easy answer if you are not tech-savvy.
Retirement villages, I am confident, will be seen to offer a ‘safe harbour’ where prospective residents can ‘take refuge’, knowing they are not on their own, unprotected.
Villages have always offered ‘security’ plus ‘community’. This appeals to the 100-odd people who every day move into any one of 2,000 villages across the country.
It’s a proven formula. Each village has a Village Manager who has responsibilities under the Retirement Villages Act. The village operator is either a Not For Profit organisation or a private business that continues on over many years, while the circumstances for family members can change from one year to the next.
You can search which villages are near you on villages.com.au and organise an inspection. There is no obligation and you never know when you may need a ‘safe harbour’.