We spoke to Peta Quince and Suzy Arnold about Hindmarsh Retirement’s three villages in Canberra, all of which feature independent living with organised social events and on-site emergency response.

First there’s Hindmarsh Retirement’s flagship for the Canberra region, Grange Deakin in Deakin.

Next there's the contemporary and secure Bellerieve in Woden, and then there is the soon-to-open Marigal Gardens in Kambah.

Suzy proudly stated that “they are all very different. Each have their own personalities.”

“Another significant difference is we are not aged care” declares Peta.

“People are proud that we don’t have a nursing home, but we do have emergency call services. It’s a very different feel to those that do have a nursing home.”

Independent living means exactly that. You have the privacy of your own apartment or townhouse when you need it, and social interaction when you want it.

One likely drawback of staying in a regular suburban residence is “people can be very isolated because many younger neighbours are out at work all day” observes Suzy.

There are community centres in all three villages, which plays a pivotal part in providing each individual’s needs to socialise.

There are many other social options too; visits to wineries, visits to the art gallery, and many other local places of interest.

For those who want to go and see the world now that they’re not working, “a retirement village home can also be somewhere to lock up everything and go travelling” suggests Peta.

When it comes to the task of moving out of a large home, Peta says “We recommend they start the process early. Talk to family, friends, and if you need to you can contact professional de-cluttering specialists.”

“It can be daunting” adds Suzy, “but the extra support and assistance can be a big help.”

Charities like the Salvation Army may benefit from things you no longer need, and even antique dealers may be interested in coming to help with that process.

“Once they realise that the help is out there, they see a weight off their shoulders” notes Peta.

It all appears to be worth the effort though.

“One of our residents came into the office this morning grinning from ear to ear” Suzy regaled, “and said he wished he’d moved in years ago.”

On that note, Peta reckons you should “do it while you’re young enough to have a great life.”

You can find out more about all three village in this advertising feature by visiting www.hindmarshretirement.com.au