The difference between retirement villages and aged care

As you age there are a number of different services and living options you can access to support your quality of life. Retirement villages and aged care homes are two different types of living arrangements. However, both have great benefits for many older people. It’s important to understand the differences to make the best choices for yourself or your loved ones. 

What is a retirement village? 

A retirement village is a group of homes designed for people who are retired. When you move into a retirement village your costs include the home, but not any care you may need. Retirement villages can be called retirement living, retirement communities, seniors retirement living or retirement homes.

Southern Cross Care has retirement villages across SA, and in Victoria and the NT. Serviced apartments, or independent living apartments, can also be part of a retirement village. These types of apartments offer a low level of services in addition to a home. For more information on retirement living options, visit our page.

What is an aged care home? 

An aged care home is the highest level of residential care for older people in Australia. Aged care homes provide 24/7 care and support, as well as permanent accommodation. Aged care homes are for people who need help to live safely and manage health or physical conditions. This type of living can be called a residential care home, residential aged care, an aged care facility or a nursing home. 

Southern Cross Care has residential care facilities across SA, and in Darwin, for more information click here. 

The differences 

Below are the key differences and similarities between retirement villages and aged care homes.

Retirement villages

• Independent living
• You lease your home for life
• You pay a regular maintenance fee for utility bills and communal facilities
• Your community may have a social committee and organise activities for everyone
• You cook for yourself in your own home
• You are responsible for your own health and wellbeing
• You must be able to pay for all costs related your retirement village
• Aged care assessments are not needed to move in 

Aged care homes 

• 24/7 care
• You pay for your room through a once off deposit or daily accommodation fee
• You pay a regular fee for care and support
• Your home may have a residents committee, and activities or events are organised by staff
• Three meals a day are provided
• You will receive support from staff for your health and wellbeing
• Government funding may be available to assist with costs
• An aged care assessment must be done before you will be offered a room

Southern Cross Care has a wide range of retirement villages with facilities to suit all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. Our retirement communities are often vibrant and welcoming, with benefits for retirees’ health and wellbeing. To see our retirement living locations, click here. 

In the same way, our residential care homes are wonderful communities. Our care and support staff provide allied health, nursing, food, activities and a homely environment for healthy ageing. Residents benefit from the right support for overall high quality of life. See our residential care locations here.