Older people needing access to greater levels of support may compare retirement villages against residential aged care services, and view them as substitutes. While both provide supportive environments for older people, it is incorrect to view them as substitutes.
Retirement villages offer the opportunity to live in a community of older people. Maintenance of the external building and community garden areas is provided by the village operator. But it is still independent living.
In a retirement village you may be able to choose to access support and assistance inside the home, but at an additional cost. The services available vary from one retirement village to the next. You need to have the financial capacity to meet the costs as these care services are not subsidised by government. You may, however, qualify for government subsidised home care packages.
Residential aged care services bundle together fully supported living and care supports with accommodation. This care is provided 24/7 and is very heavily subsidised by the government.