People look to aged care early

Younger people are taking the opportunity to be put on aged care waiting lists to prepare for old age.

According to AdventCare Bendigo executive director, Ruth Welling, waiting lists are growing at aged care homes across Victoria.

Ms Welling told the Bendigo Advertiser the number of elderly people looking for places to live was on the rise.

 “A lot of people are saying they might not need them now, but they’re using it as an opportunity to see inside the homes for their future,” she said.

“Even younger people who haven’t even retired… the demand from people who aren’t looking for immediate accommodation is greater than I expected.”

Ms Welling added the demand for independent living units at the facility was 30% greater than spaces available.

The growing waiting lists compound the latest forecasts for the region that show greater Bendigo’s over-65 population will increase from 15.2% to 22.1%.

The majority of elderly citizens will reportedly come as Bendigo’s population heads toward 140,000 in 2031.

Ms Welling said more and more people were looking at securing their future in a retirement home.

“From what I’ve seen, there are definitely people planning for the next five or 10 years.

‘‘Couples are coming together, with some people saying they want to stay in the same room until they die.”

Are you pre-planning your future by looking at aged care and retirement living options now? Share your thoughts by commenting in the box below.