Choosing where to live in your later years can be difficult. Nursing homes and retirement villages are common choices, but a growing number of people are choosing an alternative. A recent report based on the national Census found that:

• 640,000 Australians over 65 were in assisted living accommodation;

• 184,000 lived within a retirement village;

• 128,000 were living in nursing homes.

Around 73% of people over 65, or 2.7 million, were reported to be living in some form of private accommodation at the time of the last census; overall data shows that a large number of older adults are now turning to alternatives to nursing homes. In fact, retirees in nursing homes represented the smallest group in the Census data outlined above. 

So, where are people retiring to, and what alternatives are available?

1. Supported Residential Services/Supported Residential Facilities (SRS/SFR)

Supported Residential Services or Facilities offer accommodation to those who need only a low level of assistance with personal care. Whereas a nursing home might provide meals, a bed to sleep in and round-the-clock, supported care, SRS/SFR are different. You'll typically live in a self-contained apartment or home but with quick access to on-site or nearby care services. Many people choose to retain this level of independence while relying on additional aids like personal safety alarms for extra reassurance.

2. Private Homeshare

Some media outlets have reported on a new trend called 'Homesharing'. Older adults who struggle with social isolation and loneliness have been choosing to make a home with those from the younger generation. With the cost of living rising so sharply in recent years, the option could be attractive to younger and older adults.

Known as the Homeshare model, older adults can remain in their homes and take in a new tenant or housemate. This way, they can get help with day-to-day chores and tasks, while the younger tenant benefits from a reduced cost in rental payments. But, of course, this model relies on there being somebody that you know or trust well enough to live with you or your loved one.

3. Home Care Services

Home care services, where a carer visits at set intervals, are popular, as the Census data suggests. Some of the advantages of home care services rather than nursing homes are as follows:

• Older adults can continue to live independently in a place that is familiar to them;

• Individual carers can provide more tailored care, as opposed to multiple seniors sharing a group of carers;

• Family and friends can visit anytime, rather than adhering to structured visiting hours or other rules.

Regular visits from a nominated care provider ensure that all of your or your loved one's needs are being met. Meanwhile, products such as alarms, connected smartphone apps, fall detectors, epilepsy sensors and more can provide a greater sense of reassurance for somebody who's chosen to remain at home.

Home care doesn't have to cost a fortune either. In Australia, for example, the government subsidises care organisations. This subsidy enables care providers to offer Home Care Packages to older people who qualify.

You might also enjoy: 5 Home Care Tips for Looking After Your Loved One

What's the right choice for you?

Ultimately, the right choice can only be made by the person who needs care or their family. There are benefits to each type of service, with some offering higher levels of support and others providing a greater sense of ongoing independence. However, thanks to technological advances, there are numerous options available for retirees who choose to remain at home. 

In some cases, there may not even be a need for a carer. For more information on how personal alarms and Connected Care and Health products can help you or your loved one retain independence, get in touch with Tunstall today.