The choice to live in retirement communities continues to grow in popularity for Australians over 65. According to research from the Australian Housing and Research Institute, the top three reasons that retirees choose a village are location, features and services, and for feelings of security and safety.
For its residents, Barwarre Gardens ticks these boxes and offers so much more.
An unbeatable location
Barwarre Gardens is located in Marshall, between the Surf Coast Highway and Barwon Heads Road, offering easy access to the popular beach destinations of Torquay, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
The retirement village is close to shopping and a broad range of health and community services. For golf lovers, Barwon Valley Golf Course is a short trip away. The village also has excellent public transport options with a bus stop right outside and Marshall train station close by.
For peace of mind
For Barwarre Gardens resident and Chair of the village Resident’s Committee, Grant Goldsmith, peace of mind was a key reason for his choice of the welcoming community.
“It’s comfortable and you feel secure. And that’s not just the gate being shut at night, it’s being with people,” Grant said.
Barwarre Gardens resident of four years Gail Ingleby invested a lot of time and research to find the right community for her and her husband.
“We looked at retirement villages for so long and we looked at everyone and this hit the spot with us because it’s owned by genU, a not-for-profit organisation building inclusive communities,” Gail said.
“If something happens to one of us we’ve got a good community to look after the other one.”
Attractive features and services
Careful planning means that Barwarre Gardens offers peace and privacy, as well as shared facilities that offer a wealth of opportunities to socialise.
“The village is open, it’s not house upon house and pushed in together,” Grant said.
“We’ve got room around us.”
The active community enjoys quality facilities including a bowling pavilion, gym, library, men’s workshop, and lounge, activity, and craft areas.
With health and wellbeing so important in retirement, Grant highlights the importance of considering the support that is available if needed.
“We get great support from the staff – you can get a little or a lot,” he said.
“genU also offer Home-Care Packages. Their team are very good at organising those.”
Visit the Barwarre Gardens page for more information or call 03 5249 0600.