Planning for living in a retirement village – a check list

When you feel it is the right time for you to move into a retirement village, there are important questions you can ask that will make your decision an easier one.

We have prepared a checklist of possible questions that you can print off and take with you when you visit a retirement village. We recommend that you visit as many villages as possible to see what they offer and see whether you could live there.

Lifestyle

  • Why do I want to move to a retirement village?
  • What location or area do I want to live?
  • Do I want to be near my current home, close to family and friends or am I looking for a complete change?
  • What type of village will suit me most? Apartment living, an established older style village, a villa or a serviced apartment?
  • Have I talked with my family and friends about moving into a village?

Financial and Legal

  • What is included in the service or maintenance fees? Is it payable weekly, fortnightly or monthly? How often could this fee increase and will it increase much?
  • What does the service fee cover and what does it not cover. Could I continue to afford it if my spouse or partner dies?
  • Does the cost of the home, plus the ongoing monthly service fees fit into my budget?
  • What are the Exit fees / Deferred Management Fee (DMF), as villages are different?
  • How much is the deposit to secure a villa or apartment and is it refunded if I decide not to purchase?
  • If I leave the village am I entitled to a refund? How soon after leaving the village will the refund be paid?
  • What type of contract am I entering into, e.g. unit title, licence to occupy, rental?

Management & Resident Involvement

  • Is the village accredited with the RVA?
  • How is the village managed?
  • Is there a residents' committee and what role does it play in the administration of the village?
  • What dispute resolution procedures are in place?
  • What arrangements are in place for maintenance of units, community facilities and grounds?
  • Can I establish your own private garden?
  • What protection do I have if the village is sold to another organisation?

Health & Security Considerations

  • What arrangements are there if I fall ill or need a hospital?
  • Is there village staff or a nurse on duty or do they come to the village during the week?
  • Is there an emergency call button system in place? If so, who responds to the calls?
  • What types of services and amenities does the village provide? E.g. podiatry, physiotherapy, wheelchair access?
  • Is there an aged care facility nearby or on site? Or if my needs change, is there alternative accommodation in or near the village?

Village Life

  • Can my family and friends stay?
  • Am I allowed to have pets?
  • Does the village provide a bus or other transport and at what cost?
  • Apart from the village facilities, what services are available to me from the local community? For example: library, recreational, meals-on-wheels, hospitals, doctors.
  • What age group are the residents?
  • Can I continue with my hobbies? What clubs, social groups and activities are on offer?
  • Are the floor plans, gardens and entertaining areas right for me?
  • What is the security in the village?
  • Are the residents happy to talk to me about their experiences?
  • Are meals available if I am unable to cook?
  • What are my options for home help, dining facilities, etc. that I can access if needed?

Before signing a contract you should obtain the following:

  • A copy of the Occupation Right Agreement
  • A copy of the village rules
  • A check list of questions to ask before entering into a contract
  • A copy of the Code of Practice and Code of Residents’ Rights
  • A copy of financial information relating to the operation of the retirement village
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