More amenities are being offered in retirement villages from clubhouses to wellness centres, but what else should you look for if you are considering moving into a retirement village?
Whether you are looking for a retirement living option for you, or a loved one, it is important to remember your personal situation, and think about what you may need now and into the future.
Here are our top areas to consider:
Care
More village operators are offering their own home care service, or facilitating home care if the need arises.
Does your village of choice offer allied health services, such as physiotherapists and what are the costs? Is there a family practice or medical centre nearby?
Social and recreational activities
It’s important to find a retirement village with a variety of activities that may interest you. There will be exercise classes, water aerobics, outings, happy hours and other social events.
If there is a Wellness Centre, find out what exactly is provided and are there extra costs?
You should be looking for quality activities fostering the sense of connection you are seeking.
Outdoor spaces
Most broadacre retirement villages have landscaped gardens as well as facilities such as bowling greens, pickleball and tennis courts and swimming pools.
Vertical villages should also offer a number of communal spaces.
Security
As people age, they want to feel safe and secure and this is one of the major benefits of retirement living.
Does the home you are buying have a 24/7 emergency call system? Are the paths well-lit at night? Is the home wheelchair accessible?
The design of your would-be home should support independent living but allow ageing in place and feature a level entrance, switches and power points lower for wheelchair use and space allowing easy movement.
Location, location, location
Make sure the village of your choice is near to public transport or offers transport options.
This will make it simpler to stay connected with your community and to enjoy life outside the village without having to drive a car.