Judy Mayfield was invited on a panel for the Retirement Living Council’s latest event in QLD and had something to tell the village managers and operators present.
“After 4pm and at weekends, we have to look after other residents and we are sick and tired of it. Residents wander off down the streets, are disorientated about the village and they become abusive and we think it is time more serviced apartments are built in retirement villages,” said the President of Association of the Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages Association (ARQRV).
The average age of residents in retirement villages has risen to 81, according to the 2021 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census and Judy says more people are entering villages in their eighties with their health failing.
“No-one wants to enter aged care and the Government wants people to stay in their homes as long as possible. So, we are getting older people buying independent living units.
“AEH, Arcadia, Aveo, Australian Unity, Baldwin Living, Blue Care, Gannon, Levande, Living Choice, Masonic Care WA, RetireAustralia and Retirement by Lendlease all sell serviced apartments.”
Judy wants more providers to offer serviced apartments and feels there is a better way.
“A lot of villages have older villas that are not appropriate anymore and they could become serviced apartments, where someone is caring for the resident. They would remain part of the community, which is very important and a great marketing tool too.”
