Annual Seniors Housing Tour
Marchese + Partners, accompanied by 4 clients who specialise in the seniors housing sector, have returned from their annual fact finding tour to the US. The team experienced first hand the latest designs, retirement care models and options for retirement living.
US options fall into the following categories - independent living, assisted living, board & care, congregate housing, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC’s). CCRC’s offer a residential community for life, with choices of accomodation based on changing need - ie whether you are independent, need assistance or need nursing. CCRC independent residents have the following housing options - campus, high rise, stand alone houses, townhouses, or apartments. Assisted living offers studios and 1 & 2 bed apartments, plus there is a nursing home option.
Most residents sign a long term contract when healthy and active knowing they will be able to stay in the same community and receive nursing care should this become necessary. High initial entry fees and ongoing monthly fees are the norm. CCRC’s aim at the wealthiest end of seniors market, have higher service levels than Australia, and more luxurious central facilities. Independent Living developments are comparable to Australia, with a strong focus on food, high marketing budget and strong pre-sales. Facilities such as a golf course, community halls, clubs, dining rooms/restaurants, conference venues, gyms and swimming pools are increasingly mirrored in Australian developments.
Senior Partner at M+P, Andreas Antoniades ‘What we discovered this time, has really cemented our vision of the future retirement property market in Australia‚ it was an invaluable insight and will play an important part in our design processes, Australia’s ageing population is both economically powerful and changing the suburban culture that emerged in the 20th Century. Today’s baby boomers, who are looking at their retirement options will underpin a lifestyle and residential environment shift and a trend to retirement communities and provincial coastal living'.