FAQs
Senior Living
What is "Senior Living"?
At Auria we refer to Senior Living and not “retirement” because we believe that this stage of your life is not about retiring, it’s about a different set of needs and lifestyle choices defined by happiness, security, peace of mind and health. Senior Living refers to a range of Independent Residential, Assisted Living and Care Facilities that provide a continuum of care living environment for those who are 70 and over.
Why do people choose to live in a Senior Living Community?
Auria Senior Living communities are designed for you to enjoy your later years in a vibrant and stimulating community which offers support, advice, and various care options. There are many compelling reasons to live in our communities including, but not limited to:
- Social interaction and intellectual stimulation;
- Array of amenities and recreational facilities including various dining options, bar, swimming pool, wellness centre, gym, cinema, concierge services and bowling (in some communities);
- Chef-prepared meals delivered to you in-home or at one of our dining options;
- Home and garden maintenance options;
- Security;
- Care and assistance is available every moment of every day, no matter the level of care required;
- Living costs are predictable into the future…
When should I start thinking about moving into a Senior Living Community?
There is no right or wrong time to move to a continuing care retirement community (CRCC) – in fact, it’s a great option for any older adult. There are, however, definite advantages to planning and moving earlier rather than later. If you start the process early, you have plenty of time to select your senior living community according to your precise needs and preferences.
What is the minimum age for entry into an Auria Senior Living Community?
There is no right or wrong time to move to a continuing care retirement community (CRCC) – in fact, it’s a great option for any older adult. We generally advise those over the age of 70 to consider moving into one of our communities. There are, however, definite advantages to planning and moving earlier rather than later.
What rules apply in Auria Senior Living Communities?
Our House Rules are not onerous, but ensure that residents are respectful of one another and mindful of community living.
How much does it cost to live in an Auria Senior Living Community?
Auria is a very affordable solution to senior living. When you apply for residence, you and your family will enjoy a full and frank consultation with a member of our Auria team who will guide you through the financial aspects of becoming a resident of our communities.
Auria’s life rights business model, together with monthly levy escalations that are defined up-front, as well as an option to access capital to fund care costs (if required) give our residents’ certainty when it comes to future costs. This enables them to plan for the years ahead, and provides peace of mind.
What is a Life Right and how does it work?
Auria Senior Living operates on a Life Rights model. You pay an upfront amount which secures the right for you to occupy and enjoy your unit for the remainder of your life / lives. During this time, a monthly levy is payable to fund general operating and common area maintenance costs. This levy allows Auria Senior Living to take care of community management, maintenance, security and the provision of services in the senior living community, which means that you can enjoy hassle-free living.
Do I pay levies?
Operating costs and all the services provided to you during your stay in an Auria Senior Living community are generally paid for, at cost, via your monthly levy. The levy escalates at a fixed rate of 8% per annum until age 85; then 4% from age 85 to 90; then 0% from age 90 onwards. In this way, costs are predictable for the rest of your life. No sudden increases. No special levies. No surprises.
Are the levies fixed?
Operating costs and all the services provided to you during your stay in an Auria Senior Living community are generally paid for, at cost, via your monthly levy. The levy escalates at a fixed rate of 8% per annum until age 85; then 4% from age 85 to 90; then 0% from age 90 onwards. In this way, costs are predictable for the rest of your life. No sudden increases. No special levies. No surprises.
Are your houses or apartments sold furnished or unfurnished?
Our units are all newly renovated, and prior to moving in, residents are able to choose from a range of upmarket and luxurious finishes, so that each home is a reflection of their personal taste and style. Most residents choose to bring their own furniture – be it your cozy lounge suite with all its memories, or something newly acquired to suit your new residence. However, for those residents looking for some convenience, or a bespoke “new start”, we will make the services of one of our experienced interior designers available, to assist in furnishing your brand-new home – for an elegant and exciting new look, within your budget. So you can downsize, but upgrade!
Services
What happens when I go on holiday?
Residents simply need to advise Concierge ahead of time so that we can account for residents in case of an emergency and we can keep an eye on your home and assist with any tasks or upkeep you require.
Is there transportation and is it wheelchair accessible?
We have a driver available for residents, should they require this service, and this is booked through our concierge. All our communities are designed such that all areas are accessible to all residents – no matter their mobility needs and requirements.
Are there security and safe-keeping policies and procedures in Auria Senior Living Communities?
We regard our residents’ safety and well-being as being our primary concern and, as such, we have strict access control and monitoring at all our communities.
Where would I park my car at an Auria Senior Living Community?
All our units have at least one garage (sometimes these are double garages) or covered or basement parking for your car. We also have ample visitors parking and other covered parking is also available.
Quality of Care
Will I have access to the quality of care I need?
We offer various types of assisted living, ranging from home-based care to supportive care (frail care) and dedicated dementia care (the latter at most of our communities). Your individualised care plan will change when your needs change, and any assistance or care that you may need, can be adapted to your unique requirements.
We also understand that many people prefer to “age in place”. To the extent possible, we are able to deliver most care and support services in your home within our Auria communities. This means that even if your needs change, you may never have to move into our dedicated assisted living or care environment, as we can bring the care and support you need, directly to you.
Is it possible to enhance my health and wellbeing and maintain my active lifestyle at an Auria Senior Living Community?
A state-of-the art Wellness Centre with heated swimming pool, doctors’ consulting rooms, a physiotherapist, biokineticist and fully equipped exercise studio offering Pilates, yoga and aquarobics classes, ensure that residents can enjoy enhanced physical, emotional and social health.
We are proactive in identifying vulnerabilities and we conduct formal bi-annual assessments of each resident’s health and well-being to proactively address any issues that may arise and to assist in improving the health of our residents.
If I need care - will I be allocated a care worker or do I need to arrange for my own?
If you require care, we are able to provide carers to assist. Or you could choose to bring your own carer. At all times, our expert care staff will advise you on what is best for you, given your personal circumstances and preferences.
Can someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia live at Auria?
Yes. Dementia doesn’t present itself in the same way for everyone, so we will provide advice around which living option is best for you and your loved ones. We encourage independence for as long as possible, and we will regularly reassess needs as they change.
What if there is no room for me in the Care Centre?
Residents always have preference in our care centres. In the unlikely event that there is no room available, we will bring the care to you until a care centre room becomes available.
What does care cost? Do residents get a discount on care?
Cost of care depends on what type of care is required, and if the care is provided in the resident’s home, or within our care centre. It is, however, at discounted rates, so there are no bill shocks, and all residents benefit from 14 days free of charge annually in our care centre if this is needed.
We also have a team of friendly medical professionals, nurses, as well as other care-givers at our communities, all of whom embody the Auria culture of care. We also continuously monitor the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Our philosophy is to provide our residents choice when it comes to choosing how their care is provided. What this means is that, if our residents require care and prefer to have it in their home, we will do this as far as is possible. Another option is to move into the Care Centre, depending on their circumstances. At all stages, we will advise residents as to the options available to them, and suggest what we feel is best for them, based on a holistic assessment of all their needs and circumstances.
Lifestyle
Will my independence and privacy be respected?
Yes. Freedom of choice are key priorities at Auria Senior Living communities. Whilst there is a variety of choice in terms of social activities and entertainment, residents are free to engage as and when they wish to. Should you prefer solitary pursuits or quiet time, you are free to live as you please: on your terms, with complete privacy.
While most residents live and enjoy an entirely independent life, if assistance is ever needed, you can opt in for assistance and care, and whichever level is required.
May I bring my pet to live with me at an Auria Senior Living Community?
Yes, absolutely. Pets are valued at Auria as we recognise them as being part of one’s family. We will welcome your pets, although there are reasonable restrictions.
Can I invite my family or friends for a meal?
Of course – in fact, they will probably invite themselves. We have various dining options including restaurants that serve daily set menus and a la carte options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a coffee shop (Café Auria) with barista-served coffee, delicious, fresh cakes and treats and light meals. You have access to a private dining room for intimate gatherings, and you can design your own menu with our chef and his team. Our licensed bar is also available.
If you prefer to entertain at home, you can prepare it yourself, in your own kitchen, or you can order in.
What kind of activities and events are offered?
Our communities offer a wealth of activities to ensure that our residents enjoy an active, healthy life that is intellectually and socially stimulating. From fitness activities (yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics etc.) to regular movie screenings in our cinema, there’s something for everyone, should they feel like participating. Social activities also include group trips to the theatre, bridge and other card games, art classes, happy hours in our bar, talks and lectures given by experts on various topics, pub evenings, themed dinners – the list goes on. Quite literally there is “never a dull moment”. There is never any pressure to participate – but when one does, friendships are strengthened and forged, and memories are made.
We issue an exciting monthly calendar so that you can plan in advance, and we keep you updated on activities and events with regular communication.
Will I be able to control my daily activities or my life?
Yes of course. The Auria Way is all about providing superlative quality of life, quality of care, quality of advice and peace of mind. An essential part of this is making sure that our residents enjoy as much control as possible over every aspect of their daily activities, as well as their lives as a whole. At Auria Senior Living, we are completely committed to ensure that our residents enjoy a full and active lifestyle and that they enjoy their best quality of life, every single day.