Moving to a retirement village signifies an exciting (and potentially daunting) new chapter in life, and so the support of family during this time is instrumental.
If you have parents or family members who are considering their retirement living options, here are our insights on the important role that family plays during this transition, and some tips for how you can support your loved ones throughout the process.
The Thinking Phase
The decision to move into a retirement village often begins when an individual evaluates their current living situation and future needs. During this phase, family members serve as trusted confidants and sounding boards, engaging in open and honest discussions about desires, concerns, and priorities. Family support during this phase offers emotional reassurance and validation, instilling confidence in the choice to explore retirement village living.
Tip: It’s better to start the conversation about retirement living early, rather than being pushed into the process as a result of an accident or crisis. Start by initiating a dialogue where your parents or family members can express their hopes, fears, and expectations. The most important thing you can do during this conversation is to listen with empathy.
The Decision Phase
Once the decision to move into a retirement village has been made, family support becomes even more critical. Family members offer practical assistance in researching and evaluating potential retirement communities, considering factors such as location, amenities, cost, and lifestyle preferences. Your involvement in exploring facilities, meeting with staff, and gathering information helps your relatives to make an informed decision aligned with their needs and aspirations.
Tip: Creating a short-list of retirement villages and visiting them is essential for making an informed decision. Accompany your parents or family members on these visits to assess the facilities, the community atmosphere, and the living spaces. Interacting with current residents can help your loved ones get a sense of what life in the retirement village is really like.
The Moving Phase
The actual process of relocating to a retirement village can be daunting. Family support during this phase is invaluable, providing practical assistance and emotional reassurance every step of the way. From helping to pack belongings and coordinate logistics, to offering moral support, family members play a vital role in easing the transition. Your presence on moving day offers a sense of comfort and stability, transforming what could be a stressful experience into a shared journey filled with love and support.
Tip: You can assist your parents or family members to prepare for moving day by helping them declutter their home and belongings. This process can be emotional, so patience is crucial. If you’d like to enlist extra support, you can engage professional decluttering, packing, and moving services, like Classic Moves.
The Living Phase
Settling into a retirement village marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment. During this phase, family plays a crucial role in providing ongoing support and companionship. Whether it's helping to arrange the new living space, or simply being there to lend a listening ear, your presence and assistance can contribute to a smooth transition and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
As a family member, you can also act as an advocate, ensuring that your loved one's needs are met and their voices are heard within the retirement village setting.
Tip: The notion of ‘home’ is as much a feeling as it is a place. By helping your parents or family members personalise their new spaces by bringing familiar furniture and cherished possessions, you can make the transition smoother.
Additionally, staying connected and involved with your parents or family members can help them to feel supported and settled. Make regular visits and engage in open conversations about their experiences and feelings to help them adapt to their new surroundings.
Families and pets are welcome at Rivervue
Helping our residents stay connected with those they love is a top priority for us at Rivervue, and that’s why we’re a family- and pet-friendly place to call home.
Our residents are always welcome to have friends and family stay over, so they can continue to enjoy the company of their nearest and dearest in their new home and community. Guests and grandchildren are also welcome to use the facilities, provided they follow the rules and are accompanied by a resident at all times.
We also understand the many benefits of pet ownership, and so dogs and cats are very welcome to call Rivervue home. Dog owners will especially love taking their canine companion for walks throughout our village’s sprawling and beautifully maintained gardens, and will likely find fellow neighbours to join them along the way.
At Rivervue, we’re passionate about ensuring our residents experience a smooth, stress-free transition into village life. If you’d like to explore what’s on offer at Rivervue, call 1300 298 439 to book a tour of our beautiful village.