Seriously? We’re now housing our elders and betters within a stone’s throw of gambling establishments disguised as ‘community’ centres.
Retirement living providers are teaming up with RSLs, leagues clubs and, in the latest twist, horse racing clubs to corral seniors in one place within cooey of a poker machine or bookie.
In the latest iteration of what is becoming a trend in post-retirement accommodation, the Queensland health minister Tim Nicholls turned up at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane’s leafy Ascot to open Poinciana House this morning.
Poinciana House is the latest addition to Keyton’s Bernborough Ascot, described as “Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse”.
The facility, which includes 53 “architecturally designed independent living apartments”, is part of the Brisbane Racing Club’s $1.5 billion rejuvenation of the whole racecourse precinct.
There’s also a private rooftop terrace, a pool, fitness studio, consulting rooms with “a variety of allied health services”, a new café, the existing Trackside Lounge, art studio, library and private theatre.
No word on whether the TAB or poker machines are within walking distance of the elevator to the apartments, or if there’s a shuttle bus, but HSD is betting they’re not far enough away to raise the heart rates of residents above safe levels.
It’s all about “ageing in place” according to Keyton’s CEO Nathan Cockerill.
“At Keyton, we understand a new generation of retirees no longer view retirement communities as temporary housing but rather as ‘forever homes’ where both independent living and potential eventual care needs are met within one continuum,” Mr Cockerill said.
“We’re examining numerous new evidence-based innovative service offerings because they’re not only necessary but essential if retirement living providers like us are to meet the challenges of an aging population and ensure sustainable, high-quality care.”
This isn’t a unique proposition.
Related
In the north of Sydney, for example, Forestville RSL has plans to redevelop its clubhouse to accommodate a multi-building, multi-storey complex, with 55 independent living units for retirees.
According to the Manly Observer, the RSL says the $77 million plan is aimed at “future proofing” the club and reducing its reliance on gaming.
Local residents are up in arms, however, with one saying the club was being changed from a “beloved gathering place for families and the wider community” into a “large, imposing, suburb-dominating retirement village, with a new small poker-machine-prevalent RSL club inside it”.
Ka-ching.
Forestville RSL CEO Ian Thomson said the gambling area was “slightly smaller” than in the current club.
“That said, gaming is a legal activity in NSW Clubs and Pubs,” he told the MO.
“Many people gamble safely and responsibly as a leisure activity and the Club takes very seriously its duty of care in this area.”
Quite right. Now they’ll be able to roll residents into a golf cart, or straight into the lift at little cost to anyone other our souls.
Panthers Leagues Club is doing the same thing.
It runs “The Royce” – named after club legend Royce Simmons, by the way – a luxury retirement living and aged care facility right next door to the club and its pokies, keno and poker nights.
“Being social is an important part of a happy retirement,” says the website.
“Situated just next door, Panthers Penrith – Your World of Entertainment has everything you need for a great time.
“There are a variety of entertainment options for you and your family including trivia, exciting live shows at the Evan Theatre and even a spot of line dancing. Life at The Royce is made easy with everything at your fingertips.”
Like gambling addiction, alcoholism and a dash of denial.