Retirement villages can offer many benefits for residents so it is obvious why many retirees choose to make the move into one. Retirement villages package an affordable home along with other facilities and services tailored to its residents whilst offering security and a sense of community.

Whether you are starting the search for yourself, or are doing so on behalf of parents or other family members doing your homework is key to finding the village that best suits your needs now and into the future and asking the right questions is a significant part of making the right decision.

Preparing for the next phase in life can be daunting and emotionally draining so putting in the time to ensure the village you choose ticks all the boxes is well worth the effort.

Put together a checklist:

What are the financial implications?

Retirement village homes are considerably more affordable than a similar home in the same area. A PwC/Property Council Retirement Census in 2016 found that on average retirement village homes across Australia cost 67% of the full price of a home in the same postcode. In Sydney Metro, the cost was 45% of the price of a home in the same postcode.

How transparent is the information about fees?

Ensure that you have a full understanding of the contract and costs involved. What guarantees are in place to protect the residents?

Is there a “Buy back clause” which means that on departure, the village guarantees residents that they will buy back the premises if a suitable buyer isn’t found in time?

Contracts can be complex so it is important to seek legal advice before signing on the dotted line.

How does the village cater for ageing in place?

Once you have moved into a village you are  unlikely to want to repeat the process a couple of years down the track so a village that provides several levels of care and caters to different levels of physical activity and a wide range of interests should be at the top of your list.

Is the village designed with older residents in mind eg wider doorways for mobility aids and bathrooms adapted for ageing in place. Are the communal areas and grounds easy to access? Is there enough storage for everything you want to bring?

What in-house support services are provided now or as you may require in the future?

What is the vibe of the village?

A retirement village also needs to appeal on an emotional level where residents enjoy a happy, fulfilled lifestyle, in a place where they are respected and valued.

Are you made to feel welcome when you start making enquires and touring the village?

Ensure that you meet with the Village manager who plays a pivotal role in the smooth running of the village community.

Maintenance services and costs?

Ask what maintenance is included in your weekly fee .A village lifestyle offers the opportunity to do more of the things you enjoy, without the responsibility of maintaining a large property. Retirement village homes are relatively low maintenance and common facilities are maintained by staff. You can come and go as you please, with villages often strategically located in areas which have access to services and other amenities.

What is the village policy regarding meals?

Food is an important consideration, whether you need all or some meals provided. Is there an on-site restaurant. Before you decide on your next home join residents for a meal to see what the food is like. This also provides the opportunity to chat to residents about their village and what they enjoy most.

What facilities and activities are provided and what are the costs involved?

The same applies to activities and the social side of village life. Ask about the activities and facilities and check them out in person. For example, many villages have indoor swimming pools, gyms, bowling greens  and communal centres, to name a few, which are designed to ensure that residents ‘age well’ by enjoying an active and fulfilling life.

Retirement villages offer many lifestyle benefits and one of the most important has to be inclusion in a community. The social benefits of having contact with a range of residents who are at a similar stage in their life and who share similar interests can be invaluable.

So take time to do your research thoroughly so you choose the right village for you.