Myths about Later-Living Communities
There are many outdated notions when it comes to later-living and we’re here to dispel these myths. As Ireland’s first modern later-living community, Heritage Village offers choice and independence to our residents. Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents, providing them with their own space to do as little or as much as they please in their day-to-day lives.
Heritage Village caters to people aged 55+, with many of our residents still active members of the workplace. A number of our residents have relocated to Heritage Village after downsizing from their 4-5 bedroom family homes that required consistent maintenance, making their family homes available for young families to make new memories in and passing on the warmth and love of their home to the next generation.
Keep reading to find some common misconceptions about later-living DEBUNKED and if there are any other concerns that you may have about moving to Heritage Village, please do not hesitate to contact maurice@heritagevillage.ie and arrange a viewing of our welcoming community!
BUSTING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT LATER-LIVING COMMUNITIES
“These places are just for old, sick people”
We’re here to tell you, that is not true. Thanks to advances in technology and science, Irish people are living longer, healthier lives but they need a place in which to flourish. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the average Irish life expectancy is 83 years of age, a figure which is among the highest in the EU.
Later-living communities are often misunderstood for nursing homes and while the general concept of safety and security is the same, nursing homes are medically-focused facilities, with 24/7 nursing support for individuals who require ongoing care.
At Heritage Village, hands-on support is available when it is needed. It is support that fits your life - never the other way around. Your independence is our priority and we have a dedicated team of qualified nursing staff on-call whenever the need arises.
For many people aged 55+, a little bit of assistance is all that is needed to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and by addressing the later-living solution now will help to deliver benefits across all generations and societies, creating purpose-built environments for people as they age.
2. “You’ll lose control of your own life if you move into a place like this”
Quite the opposite actually, your time is your own when you move into a later-living community. While there are activities available throughout the day in the amenities building, the layout of your day-to-day life is 100% up to you!
Heritage Village is modelled off successful Australian and New Zealand models that have been specifically designed for the next chapter of your life. You get involved as little or as much as you wish. Meet your new neighbours, head for a morning walk around the 5km track and pop in for coffees in the on-site café afterwards or take things easy, read a book in the garden and have your morning coffee in the comfort of your own sitting room whilst listening to your favourite radio show.
Our support system is in place to empower people and allow them to maintain (and grow) their independence into later life.
3. “You have to give up your privacy and belongings”
One of the best things about moving into Heritage Village is our dedicated move-in service, which allows residents to choose where everything goes in their home, without lifting a finger! Everything has a neat space to belong, your walls will be filled with family photos in no time, all the cutlery is exactly how you want it and your sitting room will feel just like home. It’s all part of our vision to make your life easier.
Worried about your privacy? Our Detached homes were precisely designed to give residents peace of mind and privacy in their gardens. Find the detached homes floor plans here. Our Courtyard homes are for people who prefer a neighbourly check-in with houses arranged in a square configuration, giving residents the reassurance that everybody has your back in our supportive neighbourhood. Find the courtyard floor plans here.
4. “These communities isolate people from their loved ones”
Later-living communities help people thrive as they age, providing wonderful places to help people develop new and meaningful friendships with people who have similar interests and lifestyles. Friends and family members are always welcome to visit and stay over once you’re settled in your new home so movie nights and sleepovers with the grandkids can continue and you’ll make beautiful family memories in your new home. Size-appropriate pets are welcome to make Heritage Village their new home alongside their owners, pet insurance is a requirement.
Bring your friends down to the amenities hub for lunch in the bistro, catch a film in the cinema or head up to the nearby 4* Heritage Hotel & Spa for a pals day to the spa or take to the greens on their world-class Seve Ballesteros championship course.
5. “Places like this are very clinical and are not welcoming to potential residents”
At Heritage Village, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming space that feels like home for each of our residents. Our modern, high-quality homes are specially designed for independent living. Enjoy light-filled, energy-efficient homes that are finished to exceptional standards with high quality materials. Each home is designed to make everyday life simpler.
Every home can be tailored to individual preferences with a selection of interior finishes. From flooring and cabinetry to fixtures and interior colours, so that you can shape a home that feels just like you.
Communities like Heritage Village are often misunderstood but as Ireland’s first later-living village, we’re setting the standard for how living should be as we get older. Set in the rolling Laois countryside, we have great transport links to many bustling towns and cities all the while maintaining a more relaxed lifestyle in the peace and quiet of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Like the sound of Heritage Village?
Get in touch and organise a visit today, we’d love to welcome you to the future of later-living in Ireland.
