Choosing the Right Retirement Village: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Finding the perfect retirement village is an exciting step and major lifestyle decision towards a fulfilling and vibrant chapter in your life.
With so many options available, it’s important to do your research and consider all the key factors to ensure you choose a retirement community that aligns with your needs and preferences.
This blog explores essential tips to guide you through the process of researching retirement living options and finding a community that best suits your needs.
Also read: Why retirement villages are a good idea
1. Define Your Priorities
Lifestyle
What kind of environment do you envision for your retirement? Would you prefer an active adult community, a peaceful country setting, close proximity to family, or a complete sea change? This will help you narrow down the type of retirement community that fits your lifestyle needs.
Amenities
Are there specific facilities important to you, like a swimming pool, fitness center, on-site dining or meal preparation? Modern retirement villages provide a whole host of excellent facilities these days, including hair and beauty services, wellness, hobby rooms, gardens, community centres, cinemas and on-site security.
Healthcare Needs
Consider if you require on-site healthcare or easy access to medical services. Are aged care services and respite care important to you? Some retirement facilities provide constant care facilities onsite while others may offer 24 hour emergency call systems for peace of mind in the event of an accident or medical episode.
Social Activities
Do you want to be a part of an active community with organised events for residents, social clubs, and opportunities to connect with others? This can be particularly beneficial if you are moving locations and would like to foster new friendships while developing a strong sense of community. This not only enriches your social connections but also helps to ease the transition from the family home into a retirement community. From trivia and movie nights to resident outings and regular get-togethers, many village operators offer some sort of activity calendar for village residents to enjoy retired life.
Budget
Understand the financial implications and the different cost structures of retirement villages, such as entry fees, departure fees and whether there are any recurrent charges. Some retirement living providers may offer optional services for an additional cost, such as meal preparation, medical consulting or transportation. It’s a good idea to seek advice from a financial advisor to gain a better understanding of your financial position and what is affordable for you in the long-term. Will you own your unit or apartment outright? Is it a leasing agreement?
2. Researching Communities
Once you have an idea of your priorities and the most important aspect of retirement living for your needs, you can begin your research into retirement lifestyle villages!
Start online and utilise retirement village directories, government resources, and individual village operator websites to gain an understanding of their accommodation options and range of facilities.
Next, it’s time to narrow your search: Focus on villages that align with your location preferences, lifestyle factors and budget considerations.
It’s recommended to read resident reviews to gain valuable insights into the community atmosphere and resident experiences.
Also read: 10 common questions about retirement villages
3. Considering Location
Location is a major consideration when choosing where to live, especially in retirement, as many wish to be close to major amenities or close to family. Here are some location-based factors to think about when choosing a lifestyle village.
- Proximity to loved ones: Factor in distance to family and friends for ease of visiting.
- Accessibility: Is the location convenient for public transport, shopping, and essential services?
- Climate: Consider your preferred weather conditions and if the location aligns with your needs.
Also read: Retiring on the Gold Coast
4. Evaluating Amenities and Services
Once you’ve settled on your retirement location, you should evaluate the facilities and services offered, and what aligns with your lifestyle goals and future needs.
Essential Amenities
Review the availability of on-site dining, housekeeping, laundry services, and security measures. What is the most important to you?
Recreational Facilities
Explore if the village offers recreational facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, gardens, libraries, or hobby rooms.
Activities and Events
Learn about the social calendar, clubs, and opportunities for resident engagement and social connection. Check the operator’s social media profiles and sign up to their newsletter to be kept up to date.
Level of Care Offered
Determine if the village provides independent living, assisted living, or on-site healthcare services. If you’re just starting your retirement journey, then on-site medical care may not be a high priority at this stage. In this case, independent living villages with access to on-call emergency services may be all that you require.
5. Understanding Costs
Moving into a retirement village differs to buying a standard house so it’s a good idea to get expert financial advice to help you understand your financial obligations. The rules and regulations in regards to costs and fees differ between villages and can be confusing.
Some of the costs you will need to be aware of include:
- Entry fees: Some villages require an upfront purchase of your unit, while others offer a lease option.
- Ongoing costs: These may cover maintenance, utilities, insurance, meals, and additional service fees.
- Exit fees: Understand the conditions for leaving the village and any associated fees.
Another consideration is how selling your home and moving into a retirement facility can impact on your tax position and pension. Speak with a financial advisor for clarification.
Choosing Serene Retirement Living
Remember, choosing a retirement village is a personal decision. Take your time, research thoroughly, and schedule tours to experience the communities firsthand. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable and confident about your choice.
Serene Retirement Living offers residents a welcoming community atmosphere based in a stunning coastal location in Tweed Heads. Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Coolangatta beaches, shopping, restaurants, the Gold Coast Airport and all that the Gold Coast and Northern NSW has to offer, Serene is a world-class vertical retirement village with impressive apartments, quality fixtures and excellent resident facilities. Some of our main features include:
- Rooftop garden oasis
- Hydrotherapy exercise pool
- Gymnasium
- Sports lounge
- Auditorium
- Heated lap pool and spa
- BBQ areas
- Library with fireplace
- Workshop with tools
- Fitness classes
- On-site security and management
- Cafe, club lounge and bar
- Age-in-place friendly
- Accessible rooms with discreet emergency buttons
- 24hr emergency assistance
This is just a handful of the incredible array of features that Serene Retirement Living offers. View more of our features and facilities here, and see our current retirement apartments for sale.