All six paths
Your options, untangled.
Every path below is a real answer, including staying where you are. Start with the simple version, or open “In depth” for the costs, the catches and the common worries.
Staying at home with support
Stay where you are, with help brought in as it's needed: cleaning, gardening, transport, personal care, or changes to the home like rails and ramps.
Good to know
- Government-funded help at home is arranged through My Aged Care, after a free assessment.
- You may pay a contribution, depending on your income and assets.
- Small changes to the home, like grab rails or a step-free shower, can make a big difference.
Downsizing to a smaller home
Sell and move somewhere smaller and easier to look after, often closer to family or shops, on ordinary property terms.
Good to know
- You own the new home outright, with no operator contract or ongoing operator fees.
- Agent fees, stamp duty and moving costs add up. Work them out early.
- The Financial Information Service can explain the downsizer super contribution, for free.
A land-lease community
Buy a home in a community but lease the land it sits on, paying a weekly site fee. These are often called over-50s or lifestyle communities.
Good to know
- You own the home. The operator owns the land.
- Weekly site fees can go up. Ask how increases are worked out.
- Some communities charge a fee when you sell. Ask before you sign anything.
A retirement village
A lifestyle choice: your own home in a community designed to age in, with neighbours, things to do, and help close by.
Good to know
- Homes are built for later life: step-free, with emergency call systems, and gardens and maintenance taken care of.
- The weekly fee covers the cost of running the village, and often comes out close to what a house nearby costs to run.
- An exit fee is taken when you leave. It’s part of the cost of living there, paid at the end instead of up front. Ask for it in dollars.
A seniors rental
Rent a home in a community built for older people, without a large upfront purchase.
Good to know
- No large upfront payment, so your money stays your own.
- Ask exactly what the rent includes, and how increases work.
- Places are limited in some areas, so waiting lists are common.
An aged care home
A home with care and support around the clock, for when living independently is no longer safe or manageable.
Good to know
- An assessment through My Aged Care comes first.
- Costs depend on income and assets, under rules the government sets.
- Compare homes using the government's star ratings.