Odyssey opens striking 19 storey private care viIlage. Three more planned
Has Odyssey built the future of seniors living?
- Luxury landmark: 175 apartments across a 19-storey tower
- Private aged care: Support increases as residents' needs change
- Premium pricing: Apartments from $780,000 to $9.35m penthouses
- Demand surprise: Dementia suites filled ahead of schedule
“There is nothing like this.”
That was the message Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities Founder and Managing Director Phil Usher repeated to the 100 guests who were invited to an exclusive tour of the newly opened Odyssey Chevron Island on the Gold Coast last week.
After spending time in the community, it is difficult to argue.
After spending time in the community, it is difficult to argue.
Phil Usher is a household name on the Gold Coast and a passionate advocate for ageing Australians. A pioneer of private aged care, he has three more projects in progress.
Guests were given a tour of the apartments and amenities before dinner in the community's , experiencing firsthand what may be the most ambitious seniors living development yet delivered in Australia.
he 19-storey community consists of 175 luxury apartments with Odyssey's private aged care model, allowing residents to access increasing levels of support as their needs change over time. That support will be delivered by more than 170 staff when fully operational.
The only word to describe it is opulent, and affordable.
Apartment pricing reflects that positioning. The apartments are priced from $780,000, while penthouses are be priced up to $9.35 million according to the Queensland Government’s Compare Retirement Villages website. The premium residences include accommodation for a live-in carer together with access to private concierge and chauffeur services.
From the arrival experience through to the resident lounges, wellness spaces and the 230-seat white tablecloth restaurant, the development feels closer to a luxury hotel or premium residential tower than a traditional retirement village or aged care community.
The community also reflects another trend emerging across within the private aged care offering. Residents can choose to pay their departure fee upfront in exchange for a discounted rate of 27.5% or defer the fee until exit 37.5%. Both options see capital gain shared 50/50 between the operator and the resident.
Yet perhaps the most interesting story is not the luxury. The plan was to progressively build occupancy before opening the 23-unit Memory Lane, the community's dedicated dementia care level.
Demand had other ideas.
Memory Lane residents were among the first welcomed into the community ahead of last week's official opening, accelerating plans and highlighting the demand for dementia care on the Gold Coast.
The development raises an interesting question for the sector.
Have we just seen the seniors living community of the future? According to Phil Usher and the 100 guests, that answer could be yes.
