As we age, it’s important to consider our living options and what will best suit our needs. Two common options for seniors are residential rest homes and retirement villages, but what’s the difference between the two? This guide will help you understand the differences so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

Understanding the Differences Between Retirement Villages and Residential Rest Homes.

Retirement villages and residential rest homes are two options for seniors who may need assistance with daily living. Retirement villages are typically designed for independent living with added facilities and services, while rest homes provide a higher level of care for seniors that need assistance with daily tasks. Retirement villages often offer social activities, fitness centres, and transportation services. Residential rest homes usually provide 24-hour care and can provide medical assistance. It’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing between the two options. Read on for pointers to help you in your decision making.

1. Consider Your Lifestyle and Needs.

When deciding between a retirement village and a residential rest home, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and needs. If you are still able to live independently but want access to additional amenities and services, a retirement village may be the best option for you. However, if you require a little bit more care and assistance with daily tasks, a rest home may be a better fit. When thinking about making the move, you should assess your current needs but also consider your future needs as it is possible your needs will change over time. A great positive of moving into one of our Archer Villages is that should your needs change you have priority access to our two residential rest homes. When looking at living options you will also want to consider factors such as location, cost, and available services. Our website has all the information you need about our villages and residential rest homes. If you have any further questions, you can click here to phone, email or send us a message via our website and we will be happy to assist you.

2. Evaluate the Cost and Financial Implications.

When deciding between a retirement village and a rest home, it’s important to evaluate the cost and financial implications of each option. Retirement villages often require an upfront payment or ongoing fees, while rest homes may be covered by government funding or require a daily fee. Consider your budget and financial situation when making your decision, and don’t forget to factor in any potential future costs such as healthcare expenses. It’s also important to understand the terms and conditions of any contracts or agreements before making a commitment. At Archer we have a range of “Peace of Mind” Commitments, one of these is our guarantee to you of fixed weekly fees for life. This means that village residents will never see an increase in fees!

3. Look at the Amenities and Services Offered.

Another important factor to consider when choosing between a retirement village and a rest home is the amenities and services offered. Retirement villages often offer a range of facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and community centers, as well as social activities and events. Rest homes, on the other hand, may offer more specialized care services such as nursing and dementia care.

Archer retirement villages

Archer has four fabulous retirement villages; Archer Village, Thorrington Village, Linrose Village & Maryville Courts, each one has its own community centre for resident run groups and meetings. Archer Village has a leisure centre with an indoor heated pool and spa that residents from all villages can enjoy. Each year Archer Tours runs several events and day trips for village residents at all of our locations, and senior members of the community click here to see the tours we’ve enjoyed so far this year, and those still to come!

Archer residential homes

Archer has two residential rest homes, Archer Home and Thorrington Home, where we offer short term (respite) care services, rest home accommodation, hospital level care accommodation and dementia care accommodation. Both residential rest homes offer a homely setting for all residents, with our motto “living life, loving life” showing our focus on residents living the life they want.

4. Take a Tour and Ask Questions.

Before making a decision between a retirement village and a rest home, it’s important to take a tour of each facility and ask questions. This will give you a better understanding of the environment, staff, and services offered. During your tour, pay attention to the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility, as well as the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. Ask about the level of care provided, the cost of services, and any additional fees or charges. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or speak with current residents to get their perspective on the facility.

We welcome all visitors, please don’t hesitate to contact us and arrange to come in and take a look around any of our villages or residential homes. We are happy to answer any questions you have either in person, on the phone or via email.