People often use the terms retirement village and aged care living interchangeably, but they’re actually very different. This confusion around retirement villages and aged care is common — and understanding the distinction can make a big difference when planning the next stage of life.
In summary, a retirement village what TriCare offers, retirement living — is a community designed for older people who can live independently. By contrast, aged care living is a facility designed for older people requiring constant or regular care and supervision due to their inability to live independently.
Both options provide safe, welcoming communities — but the level of care, costs and lifestyle differ. Let’s take a closer look.
Aged Care Living vs Retirement Villages: Summary Table
| Point of Difference | Retirement Village | Residential Aged Care |
| Accommodation | Independent living in villas, townhouses or apartment-style homes. | Private rooms or suites, often with ensuite, designed for 24/7 care. |
| Type | Lifestyle-focused communities for active, independent retirees. | Care-focused residences for people unable to live independently. |
| Cost | Often an upfront entry payment with a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) taken when you leave. Weekly service fees around $150–$250. Learn more about the cost of retirement village. | May require a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP). Daily care fees apply (currently around $64 per day, equal to 85% of the basic standard Age Pension). See aged care costs. |
| Health & Medical Support | Little or no care services on-site; staff generally available during business hours. | High — clinical care staff and nurses on-site 24/7, with medical support and allied health services available. |
| Facilities | Social hubs, pools, gyms, gardens, community centres. | Nursing support areas, allied health rooms, communal dining, specialised care facilities. |
| Ownership | Leasehold or licence agreement — you don’t own the property outright. | You do not own the room — you pay to live there, subject to government rules and provider agreements. |
| Meal Provision | Self-catered (you cook at home), sometimes with optional community or serviced apartments dining. | All meals provided, including tailored dietary options. |
| Pets & Visitors | Usually pet-friendly, with freedom to host visitors and overnight guests. | Pets are usually not allowed. Visitors welcome but may be subject to care home guidelines. |
| Age | Typically 65+ entry age. | No strict age requirement, but entry is based on an ACAT assessment through My Aged Care. |
| Funding & Regulation | Governed by state legislation (e.g., Retirement Villages Act in Queensland). No government funding. | Governed by the Commonwealth Aged Care Act. Government funding available. Homes must be accredited and regularly audited (Health.gov.au). |
Aged Care Living Benefits Summary
- 24/7 care staff and nursing support for peace of mind.
- Access to medical and allied health services on-site.
- Government funding and subsidies available through My Aged Care.
- Meals, laundry and cleaning included, reducing daily responsibilities.
- Social activities and community support
Retirement Villages Benefits Summary
- Independence to live life your way — cook, travel or even continue working if you wish
- Strong community spirit; one study found retirement villages are among the “happiest places” to live, with 93% of residents reporting being “happy” or “very happy” (Aged Care Today).
- Weekly fees are predictable, usually between $150–$250.
- Pet-friendly, visitor-friendly and designed with lifestyle facilities such as gyms, pools and gardens.
- Flexible living options — villas, townhouses or apartments.
Co-located Living – Retirement Living and Aged Care
Did you know that TriCare has a range of locations in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast that have co-located Retirement Living and Aged Care?
This makes these locations ideal for couples where one needs a higher level of care and the other still lives independently. Find out more about our Co-located Living locations here.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a retirement village and aged care depends on your care needs, lifestyle goals and financial circumstances.
Retirement villages focus on independence, lifestyle and community but involve different contracts and fees, while aged care living is structured around government funding, clinical support and formal assessments.
Before making a decision for you or your loved one, it’s wise to seek professional advice to understand how your choice may affect care, costs and Age Pension entitlements. Contact us for more information.
