“Exploring the possibilities of a new lifestyle and cutting through the confusion were top of the agenda for the attendees,” according to Calvary General Manager Aged Care, ACT and Southern NSW, Mr Ben Williams.

“The Open Day was a great forum to hear from our current residents on why they were proactive and made a choice they felt comfortable with, and where they have landed.” he said.

A residents’ panel discussion allowed those visiting to hear firsthand from those who’ve already experienced the transition from the family home to retirement living and what they enjoyed most about their new lifestyle.

Experts in the fields of finance, real estate, legal and house moving shared their insights on how to tackle a big decision, breaking it down into smaller steps and what to focus on to make sure you get what you really want.

Current Calvary Haydon residents spoke of the joys of inclusion in a new community whilst still maintaining interests and relationships outside in the broader community and what it has brought to them personally. The overarching theme was “Do not wait too long to do. It is the best decision you will make for your wellbeing”.

One of the main factors for residents was feeling that they belonged to a small community, that they wouldn’t be isolated and on their own.

Mr Williams said that changing your lifestyle may not be an easy step for anyone to take, however to hear from people who have already done it and understand what the reality is against perception is an extremely useful tool in rightsizing into a retirement living community

“Whether you are on your own or with a partner, it isn’t easy, but I think the Open Day is a great opportunity to hear from those with lived experience and to get some reassurance,” he said.

Key themes that crop up for those people considering their future lifestyle options include: a) how will they manage the sale of their current property b) can they truly cope with the thought of rightsizing, and c) what will life be like on “the other side”?

“These are just about universal issues for anyone who has made a lifestyle change and one of the other recurrent themes we hear from residents is that many wished they have made the choice earlier,” Mr Williams said.

“Hearing from others is always a good first step in finding out what could suit you in the future. And having the experts provide sound advice helps build your knowledge of what is possible.

“There was a resounding consensus from those attending that we covered a lot of ground that they were interested in, for them to be able to make an informed decision in the future.”

“Retirement Living offers a lot more than just a dwelling to live in, but a lifestyle that many are now ready to embrace.” Mr Williams concluded.

Calvary Haydon has more than 70 Independent Living Units in a mid-sized, centrally located complex in South Bruce, Canberra.

Aged care services are co-located on site and include both permanent aged care and residential respite care options, with professional nursing staff operating round the clock and visits from specialist clinicians.

Home Care services are also available to our retirement living residents. The facility is surrounded by nature and is just minutes from shopping centres and public transport, providing a supportive environment for residents.