Leisure Lea Gardens + Home Care provides an appealing alternative to aged care

With its high level of support, Leisure Lea Gardens Retirement Village is an increasingly attractive option for retirees wanting to maintain their sense of independence and stay safe during COVID-19, says Linda Savige, Village Manager at the Marsfield-based Living Choice village.

Linda said a recent report released by DCM Research and Australian Online Research had shown that older Australians were determined to retain control of their lives, and not move into residential aged care. “The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has added to this desire,” she said.

“The pandemic has alarmed both older people, as well as their children, who fear for their parents’ safety. Independence and control over one’s life is paramount as you grow older and retirement villages such as Leisure Lea Gardens can ensure they still maintain their independence yet receive support, if necessary,” she said.

Living Choice Home Care Operations Manager, Kylie Johnson, agreed. “A separate study has identified that one extra hour of home care per week reduces the probability of an older person going into residential aged care by 6%. If you combine the safety of a retirement village home with coordinated home care, you can often avoid residential aged care.”

Kylie said the Royal Commission was pushing for the 100,000 people on home care package waiting lists to be funded over the next 12 months. “There is probably no better place to receive it than in a village. Increasingly ageing Australians want to retain their independence in their own home but that is only possible if their home is fit for purpose, such as in retirement villages. Retirement villages also deliver on the financial and emotional needs far better than the family home,” she added.

Kylie said Living Choice Home Carers had received positive feedback from their clients when delivering services during the pandemic. “One of the major themes has been ‘the best thing to come out of this pandemic is that my family won’t put me in residential care now’. It’s a very genuine fear.”

At Leisure Lea Gardens, both Supported Living and Independent Living Units are available. To book a tour and also find out about the many Living Choice Home Care services available, phone Linda or Juliet on (02) 8878 4903 or email sales@livingchoice.com.au