ramot Posted March 27, 2021 Share Posted March 27, 2021 (edited) 6 hours ago, ramot said: Of course I realise that, it’s a very very worrying prospect being on a long long term bridging visa. We have experience of that worry, that’s why we went for PR when we were finally eligible, rather than stay on a temporary self funded long term visa, with no prospect of assistance, our choice so not complaining. it was purely a reminder, and fine if you are only in your 50’s & 60’s, but some parents are older. Help doesn’t come cheap here as you age, and it can take a long time to be assessed before you get a care package. Several friends, as in UK are almost full time carers here for their partners, with minimal hard fought assistance, which still costs them, on a care package. The cost as in UK for retirement homes is frightening, with the need nerd to put down a very large deposit. So far we have gained nothing apart from Medicare, and apart from bulk billed GP’s we pay a good proportion of the cost to medical needs, but we did reach the safety net for cheap prescriptions last year, so had several months paying approximately $6 per script. You don’t obviously have to go private to see specialists, but hospital waiting lists are long, I think you officially have to be here 2 years PR before eligible for a seniors card? Having said the above, life is good here as you age, the older age group which we are in, do seem to really go out and enjoy life, and I am not knocking UK at all, but comparing our life to our Uk friends of a similar age, we socialise more, perhaps the Sunshine helps, but we should all live where life suits us. Another point reference age, even though you might apply fairly young, if you add the long long wait now for the visa to be issued , to the 10 years you then wait to be eligible for assistance, not many will be that young anymore. Edited March 27, 2021 by ramot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted March 27, 2021 Share Posted March 27, 2021 3 hours ago, Marisawright said: That was one of my main reasons for returning to Australia. We got out and about and tried joining clubs etc in Southampton, but I was shocked at how sedentary and quiet they all were. It was like once people hit 65, they put their cardigan and slippers on and didn't think much beyond the pub, the TV, and their holidays in Portugal or Spain. I thought maybe it was just Soton, but my sisters and relatives in other parts of the UK were just the same. I'm sure there must be parts of the UK where retirees are active and socialise in the same way we do here, but for me it was such a relief to get back! Something else that I think makes a difference here, are both the retirement villages, and those aimed at the slightly younger over 55’s. Not Sure they are for me but generally they have a good community spirit, with many facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts, cinema room, large recreation areas, bbq’s etc and activities available. I know it sounds a bit like Butlins holiday camps, but many people can be very lonely as they age, especially when sadly a partner dies. So the companionship of others can make a big difference. Friends I know go regularly outings together, trips to the cinema and even holiday together, all of which can feel a bit hard to do on your own. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz59 Posted March 27, 2021 Author Share Posted March 27, 2021 Could you tell me how you find the info on queue date release for final processing, is what number I may be in the queue, so if that's correct I may have to wait maybe another 3 to 4 years were can I find that info so I can keep tabs on things. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz59 Posted March 27, 2021 Author Share Posted March 27, 2021 Could you tell me how you find the info on queue date release for final processing, is what number I may be in the queue, so if that's correct I may have to wait maybe another 3 to 4 years were can I find that info so I can keep tabs on things. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz59 Posted March 27, 2021 Author Share Posted March 27, 2021 So in short were do you guys get your information from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted March 27, 2021 Share Posted March 27, 2021 9 hours ago, Gaz59 said: So in short were do you guys get your information from You can't find out exactly where you are, as far as I know, all you can do is guess based on the figures that are issued. Here's a discussion you can join and keep an eye on: https://www.pomsinoz.com/topic/207694-parent-visa-application-timelines-143-173/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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