Retirement villages: what’s right for you
Choosing a retirement village that meets your needs and expectations can help enrich your quality of life. According to the Retirement Villages Association (RVA), a village offers a great lifestyle to those who want to live independently while enjoying the benefits they provide.
‘‘Retirement Village’’ covers a variety of accommodation and services for people aged over 55. There are many types to choose from. Some emphasise ‘lifestyle’ with resort-style accommodation and facilities. Some provide a full range of care options so residents can enjoy a village lifestyle for as long as they want.
Each village is unique. They can range from two units to over 300, from villas, and town houses, to apartments or serviced apartments. Most have a community centre and recreation facilities.
REASONS TO MOVE
■ Privacy of your own home ■ Maintain independence in a supportive environment ■ Peace of mind from 24-hour
‘on call’ assistance
■ Access to a variety of services and recreation facilities ■ Remove home maintenance worries
■ Eliminate security worries The RVA has produced a comprehensive downloadable brochure for people interested in a retirement village. It includes information on: consumer protection, codes of practice, key definitions, community facilities, disclosure statements, Occupation Right Agreements, choosing the right village, legal advice, cooling-off periods, licence/lease types, resale, fees, pets, medical/health facilities, rules, residents’ committees, audits, insurance accreditation, insurance, disputes.
CHECKLIST
The RVA has a checklist of questions people can ask themselves, and prospective retirement villages. Visit as many as possible to see what they offer and whether you could live there. Questions include:
■ Why do I want to move to a retirement village?
■ Do I want to be near my current home, family and friends?
■ What type will suit me? Villa? Apartment? Older style?
■ Have I talked with family and friends about moving?
■ What is included in service or maintenance fees?
■ What does the service fee cover. Could I afford it if my partner dies?
■ Does the cost of the home and ongoing fees fit my budget?
■ What are the Exit/Deferred Management fees?
■ How much is the deposit to secure accommodation. Is it refundable?
■ If I leave the village am I entitled to a refund?
■ What type of contract am I entering into, eg, unit title, licence to occupy?
■ Is the village accredited with the RVA?
■ How is the village managed?
■ Is there a residents’ committee? What role does it play?
■ What dispute resolution procedures are in place?
■ What arrangements are there for maintenance of units, community facilities and grounds?
■ Can I have a private garden?
■ What protection do I have if the village is sold?
■ What arrangements are there if I fall ill or need a hospital?
■ Is there village staff or a nurse on duty?
■ Is there an emergency call button system? If so, who responds?
■ What services and amenities are provided? Eg, podiatry?
■ If my needs change, is there an aged-care facility in or near the village?
■ Can family and friends stay?
■ Am I allowed pets?
■ Does the village provide a bus or other transport? At what cost?
■ What services are available in the community? Eg, library.
■ What age group are the residents?
■ Can I continue with hobbies? What activities are on offer?
■ Are floor plans, gardens and entertaining areas right for me?
■ What is the security in the village?
■ Are 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, etc, if needed?
BEFORE SIGNING A CONTRACT
■ Obtain a copy of the Occupation Right Agreement
■ A copy of village rules
■ A check list of questions to ask before signing 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 village
❚ The Retirement Villages Association is a voluntary industry association representing the interests of registered retirement village owners, developers and managers. It represents more than 95% of the registered retirement village industry by unit number. Its principal objective is to promote a quality living environment for members and their residents. Registered villages are required to comply with a legislated Code of Practice set out in the Retirement Villages Act 2003, which provides a comprehensive suite of resident protections. https://www.retirementvillages.org.nz