Home Sweet Home – Mix’n’Match!

Welcome back to Home Sweet Home, where we check out retirement living options for Kiwi seniors. This month, we dive into what ‘home’ can look like when you have the freedom to move around, and the energy to keep contributing!

Staying in one place isn’t for every senior, especially when retirement looks like Freedom with a capital ‘F’. While non-one is advocating you sell your own home, you may want to consider putting it into the hands of a reliable property manager while you explore the world in ways which mean you still have a roof over your head. If you’re still active, here’s how you can make it happen:

Hut wardening

Our own stunningly beautiful country is littered with Department of Conservation huts and basic private lodges. At various times of the year (and sometimes on a full-time basis), volunteer or paid wardens are required to manage them. If you’re an outdoors person and enjoy working with the public, check out opportunities through DOCs volunteer website or look for private lodges such as those under the care of the NZ Alpine Club or NZ Forest and Bird. In most situations, you’ll be given your own private accommodation. You may also be asked to contribute to some work around the property or on nearby tracks, as well. Hut and lodge wardening can be for a period of weeks or for shorter periods when a regular manager is taking a break.

Live-in companion

If you’re caring, genuinely want to contribute to another’s quality of life, and see the world at the same time, you may want to apply for a position as a live-in companion. Jobs like these often come with their own separate accommodation, as well as remuneration. What’s more, they can help you see another culture from the inside out rather than as a tourist. To check out jobs like these in overseas destinations, start with Greycoat Lumleys, an international agency actively seeking live-in companions for its clients, for many years.

There are more local agencies seeking care companions in a variety of circumstances. Why not contact them to see if they are looking for your skills?

Gardener/handy Person

Kiwis are renowned for their all-round ability to manage everything from changing a lightbulb to mending a fence – which makes them the ideal candidates to apply for overseas positions looking for people to do just this, and more. Often coming with an appealing remuneration as well as live-in accommodation, jobs like these can be the perfect opportunity to see the world while having a ‘home’ at the same time. If you have a partner who’ll be with you, don’t feel shy about negotiating positions like this so you can both live-in and even share duties. Kiwis are sought-after! Check out this little number to get you thinking.

Abroad on the wild side

We’re Kiwis, so we can do remote. Which is why an island stay in the UK could be right up your alley! The UK is filled with remote island nature reserves catering for day trippers and overnighters – and they all need careful, helpful overseeing by volunteer staff. Many of these volunteering positions come with living costs as well as basic accommodation. To enjoy nature while you travel, and with a place to temporarily call ‘home,’ check out wildlife sites such as RSPB.

Paid travel companions

A number of organisations around the world are in the business of supplying travel companions for those who need company or assistance while abroad. Interestingly, these companies never seem to advertise for staff – but why not contact them to check out opportunities. It’s those who take initiative that reap the rewards!

Senior living options don’t have to be about staying in one place. By mixing and matching, it’s possible to find back-to-back temporary homes – and a great lifestyle! Note: if you’re already receiving your pension, before you start planning your adventure, be sure to check how long you can be out of the country without losing income.