Choosing a retirement village is a big decision. Consider the following:
- Costs: Understand entry fees, ongoing charges, and exit fees. Make sure they fit your budget.
- Location and local amenities: Consider how close you want to be to family, friends, health services, public transport, parks or beaches.
- Facilities and services: Look for retirement villages that have the things you like, such as swimming pools, gyms, libraries, places to eat, and fun activities.
- Accommodation: Check the types of housing available, whether it is independent living units, serviced apartments, or other options. Ensure the accommodation meets your needs for space, accessibility, and comfort.
- Community and social life: Visit the village to get a feel for the community. Consider whether the social environment and activities suit your lifestyle and interests.
- Legal agreements: Read the resident contract and disclosure documents. They explain your rights and responsibilities. More information about contracts can be found in entering a residence contract.
- Future care: Consider whether the village offers additional care services or has partnerships with aged care facilities, should your needs change over time.
Checklist
This checklist can help you think about the important things before you sign a contract.
General
- Have you talked about your decision with family, friends, or organisations that can help -
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service – offers free and impartial information and advice about retirement village living in South Australia
- Catalyst Foundation - offers free and impartial information and advice about retirement village living.
- South Australian Retirement Villages Residents Association (SARVRA) - is an independent, not-for-profit representative body that supports people living in retirement villages across South Australia.
- Have you sought financial and / or legal advice?
- Have you compared several villages that meet your location, budget and lifestyle needs?
- Is the village close to family, friends and activities that matter to you?
- What transport options are available, for example public, community or village, and how easy are they to use?
- Is there a residents’ committee? Ask for the chairperson’s contact details so you can check how responsive the operator is and what residents think about the village.
- Can you be provided the minutes from the last residents’ committee annual meeting?
- Does the village offer other types of accommodation on-site, like serviced apartments or aged care? What are the costs and requirements for moving into these later?
Financial matters
- Do you understand all fees and charges you may be liable for while living in the retirement village?
- If the residence is not built yet, is the price fixed, regardless of when building commences?
- What are you entitled to when you pay a deposit?
- What happens to your deposit if you change your mind?
- Will you pay a cost if you cancel the contract?
- Is your upfront payment refundable or a donation?
- Can you afford the upfront payment and ongoing fees?
- What other charges might apply?
- If you are a couple and one of you passes away, can the other afford to stay?
- What happens financially if you remarry or form a new relationship?
- Can you afford future fee increases and still enjoy life?
- What happens if you cannot pay future increases?
- What costs apply when you leave, for example cleaning or repairs?
- How is the exit fee calculated?
- Do you get reimbursed for improvements like adding a veranda or alarm?
Legal matters
- Do you understand the contract, associated documents and your rights and responsibilities?
- What type of arrangement the village offers - license, leasehold or strata title?
- Have you had independent legal and financial advice? This is strongly recommended.
- Will anything change for you if the village is sold?
Building and home
- Are all community buildings finished? If not, is their completion guaranteed in the contract?
- Can you choose the design or fittings if the residence is not built yet?
- Are the gardens and grounds well kept? Who pays to maintain them?
- Do you have your own garden? Can you maintain it now and in the future?
- Does the residence get enough sunlight at the times you want?
- Is there good street lighting and visitor parking?
- Is mail delivered to the door or a shared mailbox?
- Are paths level and safe? If not, when will they be fixed? Is this in writing?
- Does the residence have steps or stairs? Are there handrails?
- How is garbage collected? Do you have your own bin and space for it?
- Is recycling available? How does it work?
- Is there noise nearby from traffic, trains, or other sources?
- What are the zoning rules around the village?
- Can emergency services reach the residence easily?
- Is the residence wheelchair - or walking-aid friendly now or modifiable later?
- Is the bathroom safe and practical for future needs, for example handrails, easy step-in?
- Is the residence heated and/or cooled? How much do they cost to run? Can air-conditioning be installed if needed?
- Which utilities are used - gas, electricity, both?
- Are appliances included (like fridge or washer)? Who maintains or replaces them?
- Are security doors and windows fitted or allowed? Who pays?
- Do all doors and windows open and close properly?
- Is the painting and flooring in good condition? Can you repaint or change carpets yourself?
- Do the rooms fit your existing furniture comfortably? (Measure to be sure.)
- Is there a phone line, and is there room for a second phone by your bed? Who pays for installation if needed?
- Is there an option to connect to the internet and is there sufficient internet capacity for your needs? Is the internet provided as part of an embedded network?
- How much storage is there? Can you reach cupboards safely?
- Is the laundry in the residence or shared? Do you have your own clothesline?
- Is there an intercom in the residence?
Health and safety
- Is there health support if you become ill?
- What happens if you cannot care for yourself?
- Is your doctor easy to access from the village?
- Can you access community services like Meals on Wheels?
- Is there an emergency alarm in your home? How does it work, who pays, and are there penalties for false alarms?
- Are emergency procedures clearly written (for fire, ambulance, police)?
- Can emergency vehicles easily access the residence?
Lifestyle and community
- Will village rules affect how you live now?
- Can visitors stay with you? Are there any limits?
- Can you continue hobbies such as gardening, crafts, music, swimming, or bowling?
- Are pets allowed, and if so, what kind?
- Does the village host regular events or outings for residents?
- Is public transport nearby for shopping or appointments?
- How close are your church, medical centre, library, shops or other community facilities?
- Does the village offer a community bus? How often does it run?
- Do you have any concerns about the village? List them and discuss with family, friends, a lawyer, or the residents’ committee.
