Choosing a Perth Retirement Village

Looking to help your parent or loved one choose the best retirement village to suit their needs? Whether they're excited to make the transition on their own or with a spouse, or a little nervous about the change, it's a big decision. Here are some important things to consider to be sure that you make the best possible decision.

What retirement setting does your loved one want?

One of the most important considerations when choosing between WA retirement villages is what your parent or loved one actually wants in a living environment. It sounds simple enough, but when you're weighing up costs and care options and lifestyle benefits and locations, it can be easy to loose sight of this seemingly obvious factor.

Take the time to discuss your parent's wants and needs with them in the early stages of the process, so they have an active role in the decision. Their priority may be being located close to family, or the golf club, or it may be finding Perth lifestyle villages with an active social community.

Does your loved one require specialist care?

The level of care offered between different Western Australian retirement villages can vary, so consider your parent's needs as they are now, as well as the needs they're likely to have in the future. If they require specialist care now, or are likely to need it in a few years time, taking this into consideration while you're choosing between WA retirement villages options can help future-proof your decision, ensuring the lifestyle village or care home they choose will suit their needs as they get older.

Doing your research online

Doing research online can be a great tool for finding good Perth lifestyle village options, so get browsing and add villages that stand out to your favourites folders. Most WA retirement villages will feature information about their homes, facilities, social and lifestyle benefits and specialist care options, as well as photos illustrating their offerings.

Save some options and then browse again with your parent or loved one, getting their feedback on which Western Australia retirement villages stand out to them. Consider their priorities and specialist care needs, if they already have friends living in particular lifestyle villages, and if villages are within close range of their current lifestyle and social activities, like their local RSA, sports club, or preferred shopping centre.

Assessing the benefits of facilities

Have a few Perth lifestyle village options on your favourites list? Comparing their facilities, social activities and various benefits can really help in selecting the best from the rest. Make a list of the benefits of each of the WA retirement villages you're considering, and then highlight which benefits best match your priorities, and that of your loved one. When you've narrowed your options down to two or three best options, it's time to call and arrange a tour.

Tours and visits

All Western Australia retirement villages offer the option to visit with your parent and take a tour of the facilities, and this is often one of the most helpful and informative factors in helping you choose which lifestyle village will make them feel most at home.

Call the WA retirement villages on your short list and arrange to visit and take a tour, and have a chat with staff. Make a list of any questions you have to take with you, and don't be afraid to ask for more information or clarification on facilities, activities and benefits while you're there with your parent. Staff will be more than happy to discuss your parent's needs and requirements, so you can assess the best option for your loved one, and your family.

The facilities and activities on offer are important, but just as crucial, is the feel of each of the WA retirement villages you visit. Talk to your parent after each tour as get a sense of where they felt comfortable and at home. Making the transition into a retirement or lifestyle village can be daunting for some elderly people, so finding a living environment where they feel happy, supported and at home is crucial.

Guest article from El Caballo Lifestyle Village – Retirement Village in Perth.