What questions should I ask at a retirement village?
When you are actively exploring different retirement villages, asking questions helps you compare options and see which village best matches your unique wants, needs, and values. We’ve listed the questions we commonly get asked to help you uncover which are the best retirement villages for you.
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24 April 2024
Stories
| Retirement Living
We often hear our retirement village residents say they’re so happy that they ‘made the right decision’ when it came to choosing their retirement community. But how do you know what is the right choice for you?
Ask the questions during your retirement village site visits, email communications, and phone conversations with the site manager. No doubt you’ll have a long list. Here are the most common questions we get asked by prospective residents…
In this article:
- What can I expect from Retirement Living Community Life?
- How safe will I be in my Retirement Home?
- What about retirement village fees?
- What should I ask about Retirement Village Facilities and Amenities?
- What kind of Health and Support Services are available in Retirement Villages?
- What are the different Retirement Village Accommodation Options?
- Where do I start with Residency Agreements?
What can I expect from Retirement Living Community Life?
Social engagement and a vibrant community are scientifically proven to enhance wellbeing. It’s important to consider whether community dynamics will meet your expectations. Chat to an existing resident. We suggest the following questions…
- What are the dynamics of the retirement village?
- Is there a strong sense of community and how is this fostered?
- What kind of social events and activities are on offer?
- Are there clubs or interest groups for residents to join?
- Is there a fee required to participate in activities?
- What is the average age of current residents?
How safe and secure will I be in my Retirement Home?
Feeling safe and secure is paramount to your peace of mind wherever you live. It’s important to ask questions about safety in retirement living, including:
- What security measures are in place to ensure resident safety?
- Is there a 24/7 emergency response system?
- Are staff available at any time?
- How does the village address evacuations or emergencies?
- Have there ever been any break-ins?
- Will I be safe here?
- What happens to my home and mail when I go on holidays?
What about retirement village fees?
There are costs associated with retirement living and different financial models available to help make village living accessible for seniors. Here are some questions you can ask to help understand the financial impact of retirement living…
- What is the entry, ongoing, and exit fees, and what do they cover?
- Are there any hidden costs or additional charges that may arise during your residency?
- How does the pricing structure compare to other retirement villages in the area?
- What is a Deferred Management Fee (DFM) and what does it cover?
- Do I have to pay refurbishment costs?
Learn more about BaptistCare’s competitive Retirement Village Financial options, here.
What should I ask about Retirement Village Facilities and Amenities?
Every retirement village is different when it comes to the exact facilities and amenities on offer. It’s best not to assume certain amenities will be available. When moving into a retirement village, consider what’s most rewarding for your daily life, and ask the following…
- What recreational facilities are available within the village, such as fitness centres, libraries, or communal spaces?
- Are my family able to visit me and stay at my home?
- Can my family access the facilities when they visit? Can my grandchildren swim in the pool, or access the gym?
- How accessible are the facilities for individuals with mobility challenges?
- Do you offer transport assistance, and if so, is this regular?
- What is the role of a Resident Committee? How do I join if I want to be on the committee?
- What support does the staff provide?
What kind of Health and Support Services are available in Retirement Villages?
At times, health concerns are a catalyst for change, and ageing-in-place and access to home care may be high on your list of needs.
As our health can rapidly change as we age, it helps to consider what support can be available to you in your own home. For example, you might consider asking…
- What healthcare services are provided, and how does the retirement village cater to changing healthcare needs?
- Can I receive palliative care in my home?
- Can I access homecare in my home at a special rate?
- Is there a co-located Residential Aged Care home onsite? Can I access this if necessary?
- How are staff trained to handle emergencies and health-related concerns?
- What are the protocols around infectious outbreaks?
At BaptistCare, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our retirement living communities both now and into the future. Learn more, here.
What are the different Retirement Village Accommodation Options?
Retirement villages usually have accommodation options that range from small units and apartment living to duplex blocks or stand-alone houses. The key is low-maintenance, care-free living, so you can spend more time doing what you love. Here are a few questions on accommodation options:
- What types of accommodation are available?
- What are the different contract options, and what are the implications of each?
- Am I able to use a mobility scooter?
- Can I have a carer or family member move in if I need more assistance?
- Am I able to make modifications for mobility if needed?
- Can I make changes to my home or structure?
- Can I do my own gardening?
- Am I able to have a pet?
If you have any questions around BaptistCare Retirement Villages, please click here to email our team or call us on 1300 275 227.
Where do I start with Residency Agreements?
To avoid any confusion, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice for your own peace of mind on your residency agreement. However, some useful questions to ask Retirement Village staff might be …
- What does the residency agreement entail, and are there any restrictions or conditions?
- Can you have guests or family stay with you, and are there any guidelines around this?
- Do I need to see a solicitor for the contract?
- What is the process for terminating the agreement, if needed?
Choosing a Retirement Village that’s right for you
We wish you all the best on your journey to finding a retirement village that’s right for you. Ask all the questions. You are entitled to make an informed decision on this exciting new chapter in your life.
Do remember, our own BaptistCare retirement village managers are always happy to answer any queries for you. And if you want to explore more about BaptistCare retirement living, click here or discover one of our retirement living locations near you.
How can I find a Retirement Village near me?
BaptistCare retirement villages are spread across NSW, ACT and WA.
To explore your closest village, click here to see a handy map, and further details about the retirement villages in your area.
Our BaptistCare Retirement Village locations include:
- Maranoa Village – Alstonville, NSW
- Warena Village – Bangor, NSW
- Aminya Village – Baulkham Hills, NSW
- Kintyre Living – Dubbo, NSW
- Angus Bristow Village – Elderslie, NSW
- The Gracewood Community – Kellyville, NSW
- Durham Green Village – Menangle, NSW
- All Saints – New Lamberton, NSW
- Blue Hills Village – Prestons, NSW
- Yarra Rossa – Red Hill, ACT
- Watermark – Wagga Wagga, NSW
- The Grange – Wagga Wagga, NSW
- Balladong Country Estate – York, WA
- Bethel Village – Albany, WA
- Graceford Village – Byford, WA
- Gracehaven Village - Rockingham, WA
- Mirrambeena Village - Margaret River, WA
- Riverside Village - Salter Point, WA
- Silver Vines - Margaret River, WA
- Struckman Mews Village - Midland, WA
- William Carey Court Village – Busselton, WA
- Yallambee Village - Mundaring, WA
If you have any further questions about our BaptistCare Retirement Villages, our team is available to help, call 1300 275 227, Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm.