an age-old, old-age dream

I still nurture a dream, which I hope to fulfil one day, to build my own retirement village. I actually go into it in some detail in my new book You Are So Beautiful.

An architect has come up with tangible sketches to flesh out my concept for a village of twelve two-bedroom units with functional kitchens, a garage – because even every ageing Aussie man needs a shed. And  the location is around Woodend. Close enough to a couple of small townships and a quick train ride to Melbourne.

I mention it today because of a new federal government scheme to encourage town planners to put retirement villages and nursing homes in the heart of residential areas.

And I think it is a good thing. We hear so many heart-rending stories about couples who must finally be forced apart because one can no longer look after his or her partner. And to make things worse they are often then housed in nursing homes suburbs apart making family visits a marathon.

Apparently the Howard Government wants to make agreements with local councils and state governments  to improve town planning so that there is more allowance made for nursing homes catering for local residents.

That is good. Moving from a home where you may have spent most of your adult and married life is tough enough. To then be sent to an alien suburb makes it even worse. And to familiarise yourself with a local village before that move is forced must also be a good thing. Of course the longer you can live in your own home with familiar surroundings the better. As long as you are not a threat to your own safety.

You know I have said many times: The only difference between old people and us is that they got there first.

On this issue somebody seems to be acknowledging that.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2007