The Urban Appeal of Lifestyle Care Communities

WORDS: Melinda Burton PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Why Odyssey’s innovative model is the right fit for our growing cities

Amidst the rapid rise in urban populations, an aged care pioneer is hailing lifestyle care communities as the ideal remedy for densely populated areas. Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities founder and CEO Phil Usher has applied over 20 years of experience to design a better model of ageing for Australians—one that you don’t have to compromise on quality.

“Odyssey is different to other aged care or retirement alternatives because it’s a Lifestyle Care Community,” he says. “We are passionate about giving the power back to residents. In fact, this is the direction that the new aged care act stipulates. We are just ahead of the curve. Here, couples stay together if they wish. Pets are welcome. Families love visiting and staying over. And most importantly, you get the support you need to live your best life here on the Gold Coast.”

Mr Usher says in regions where space is at a premium, lifestyle care communities offer a number of unique benefits.

“Seniors are the perfect neighbours for people living in highly populated areas, they don’t contribute to traffic congestion, they prioritise harmonious living and most importantly, they actively engage in the local community,” he says.

Mr Usher says there are numerous reasons why these types of communities provide a natural solution to some of the significant challenges faced within densely populated areas.

“Unlike residential buildings, traffic issues are not something our kind of community contribute to, as most of our residents are retired and don’t travel during business hours,” he says. “In a standard residential building, most people will have two vehicles however, in our case, one in 10 residents have a car. The average age of those residing within a care community is late seventies plus, so these kinds of developments haven’t been known to exacerbate existing traffic woes.”

This sentiment aligns with Odyssey’s innovative community currently underway at Chevron Island, located between Anembo and Mawarra Street and due for completion within the first quarter of 2026. The landmark five-star project consists of 167 apartments across a single 19-storey tower. From the gourmet restaurant to the welcoming pool deck, every amenity will enrich the sense of community for future residents. Those with care needs are also accommodated with Odyssey’s 24/7 onsite care team at their fingertips.

Mr Usher says Chevron builds on the success of the Robina community and will offer brand new luxury apartments in the heart of Chevron Island.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see our Chevron community come to life and we are starting to see an indication of what life will look like for our future residents, and it’s simply phenomenal,” he says.

“Construction is progressing with the slab now poured up to Level 12 and the core reaching Level 15, which is an exciting milestone that defines the near full height of the tower’s main structure.”

Mr Usher says even with their Chevron development set to create a number of jobs; the project will not worsen traffic conditions when finished.“Due to the nature of what we do, our staff changeover is outside of peak hours, instead our team are rostered on either side of business hours,” says Mr Usher. “We operate three shifts per day, so even with our team on hand to deliver personalised care and support services, it won’t contribute to traffic congestion.”

Another benefit to consider is the amount of business senior residents bring to their local area.

“From our Robina community, we’ve seen our residents actively engage with neighbouring establishments such as cafes, restaurants, bouquet shops and services and we expect to see the same at Chevron,” he says. “We are proactive in fostering partnerships with those around us and this is the sort of activity that helps create new opportunities and contributes to the surrounding community. Odyssey Chevron Island will not just be a place to live; it will become a place to thrive, offering a lifestyle that balances comfort, luxury, care and social engagement. It’s just what the doctor and the government ordered!”

Click Here : www.odysseycommunities.com.au for more information.