Making the right choice
- Have I fully discussed my decision to move to a retirement village with my family, friends or advisers?
- Is community living in a village right for me?
- Have I considered between the options of a self-contained unit or a serviced unit?
- Have I looked at enough villages to compare services, facilities and financial arrangements?
Financial and legal considerations
- Do I fully understand the contract and all the costs involved?
- Have I received a disclosure statement and a general inquiry document?
- What type of arrangement does the village offer, and how will it impact me? Is it a loan/licence, leasehold, strata, rental or company title?
- How much will it cost me to move into and live in a retirement village?
- Have I used the retirement village calculator to understand my financial obligations?
- Can I afford to live there comfortably, even when the recurrent charges rise?
- Am I aware of any upcoming costs for maintenance, repairs or replacement for major items of capital in the village? This information is contained in the asset management plan and the 3 year report for maintenance estimates for the village.
- Am I eligible for rent assistance from the Commonwealth Government?
- What if I decide to leave the village? Will I be able to re-sell the unit?
- What are the termination fees and charges?
- What ongoing charges will I have to pay after I leave if the unit remains vacant?
- How many vacant units are there in the village?
- What is the average time for the re-sale or re-letting of the type of unit I am interested in?
- Have I obtained adequate, independent legal and financial advice?
Lifestyle, accessibility and safety
- Are there village rules that may affect my lifestyle? Are pets allowed? Is there rules about smoking?
- Can I make changes to the inside of the unit?
- Will I be able to have someone visit or live with me?
- Can I do my own gardening?
- Is the village well maintained?
- Are the paths designed for easy access?
- Is the village secure? Is there adequate external lighting?
- Is there an emergency call system and/or staff on call?
- Will my unit still suit me if my needs and abilities change (e.g. are there any stairs I will need to manage)?
- Have internal modifications related to frailty (e.g. bath rails) been made to the unit?
Services and facilities
- Are the services and facilities at the village what I need? Will this still be the case as I age or if I get sick?
- Is there adequate parking for visitors?
- Are there local facilities nearby (e.g. doctors, shops, hospitals, libraries, churches, clubs and public transport)?
- Is there a residents committee to liaise between residents and the operator?