A Renishaw Hills resident enjoying a warm day on the estate with fellow retirees.
Did you know that roughly 12 million South Africans will be over 60 by the year 2050? It’s never too soon to begin planning your retirement, especially if you want to secure your spot in your preferred estate.
When exploring assisted living in KZN, you’ll soon notice that there’s a spectrum of senior living options on offer, with popular choices including Retirement Villages, Retirement Estates, and Lifestyle Estates.
While these terms may sound interchangeable, a few key differences set them apart. In this article, we take a look at the various assisted living options and discuss how Lifestyle Estates differ from the rest.
Retirement Villages vs Retirement Estates
A Retirement Village typically offers independent living units or apartments, with optional assisted-care services on-site. Residents may move into full-care facilities as their needs increase. Often, the emphasis leans more toward wellness and medical care than lifestyle.
A Retirement Estate is often much larger than a Retirement Village, with multiple dwellings situated on expansive grounds. Again, there are varying levels of assistance available, as well as communal amenities. However, these estates are usually better suited for retirees who value their independence.
In both cases, the primary focus tends to be security, convenience, and care-readiness. While amenities like clubhouses or gardens may exist, they are often secondary to the support and services infrastructure.
Renishaw Hills residents gathered at a social event at one of the homes on the estate.
What Makes a Lifestyle Estate Different?
By contrast, a Lifestyle Estate focuses on offering a resort-like experience for retirees, so they can enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
Here are some of the key features:
- Active lifestyle: In a Lifestyle Estate, you’ll discover fitness trails, gardens, walking paths, and spaces for hobbies and interaction.
- Community and connection: Social clubs flourish and neighbours get to know each other on a deeper level thanks to regular events and communal spaces.
- Flexible assistance: Rather than being entirely care-driven, assistance is available on a needs basis. You get to maintain your independence until you choose a higher level of care.
- Autonomy: Residents in Lifestyle Estates choose how they spend their days. Whether it’s gardening or swimming in the heated pool, the freedom of choice is always there.
- Location and lifestyle setting: In KwaZulu-Natal, the environment plays a significant role in everyday life. Lifestyle Estates make the most of the outdoors and the region’s unique natural offerings.
Why Assisted Living in KZN Within a Lifestyle Estate is a Great Choice
For many retirees in KwaZulu-Natal, choosing between assisted living options can feel nerve-wracking. However, with Lifestyle Estates, you won’t be signing up for institutional care from day one. Nor will you be left to fend for yourself if you need help.
Instead, you’ll be entering a beautiful residential space designed for vibrant living, spending time with like-minded people, trying out new hobbies, and staying active. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that support services are available when they matter.
Would you like a private tour of our stunning eco-estate? Contact us today, and we can set a date.
While we welcome residents over 50-years-old, Renishaw Hills isn’t a Retirement Village or Retirement Estate. Instead, we are an active Lifestyle Estate that prioritises community and healthy living. When it comes to assisted living in KZN, it doesn’t get much better than Renishaw Hills.
