Retirement villages, lifestyle communities becoming “like hotels”

More retirement village and land lease operators are introducing Home Care Packages (HCPs) into their service offering. The 2021 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census found 28% of retirement villages offered co-located aged care services, but also revealed that 44% of village residents were moving to an aged care home. Now, more operators are using their own care services or calling in private care providers to ensure

residents can age in place.

“Retirement villages are becoming like hotels. In a hotel you expect an iron and ironing board in your room but it is never advertised. Similarly, care is being provided without it being spelled out,” said Ben Myers (pictured), Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council (RLC). “Equally in a hotel, the restaurant might be owned by another business, that also is happening in retirement villages, where a different company will supply any care needed,” he said. “Across the industry there is a focus on care and private aged care Is now being offered. It does not cost the Health Department any money, it is not being regulated and the Department is not giving it any attention. “The residents are prepared to pay for their own health and wellbeing.”

Last month, The SOURCE reported RetireAustralia is expanding its 24/7 nursing, committing to 10-12 bed care bed hubs in its villages and support in home to higher acuity. Queensland-based Reside Communities is one of several operators partnering with Five Good Friends to provide an on-site care concierge. Another Queensland land lease operator GemLife has nominated Feros Care as its preferred aged care support service, while Sydney-based ASX-listed Ingenia named Silver Chain as its preferred home care partner in April.