Important Questions to ask when deciding on a retirement village

Around six percent of South Africans aged 65 and older can afford to live in retirement villages. It is therefore critical to ask those important questions on retirement villages. How do you know which retirement village will suit you the best? Especially with so many legal, financial and social considerations to be aware of before taking the plunge. Certainly there are many benefits to this lifestyle choice. So ensure you are settled where you’re supposed to be.

Here are six important questions to ask before moving into a retirement village.

1. What is the entry fee?

A range of factors are considered when determining the entry fee for your retirement unit, from the unit’s location to the available facilities and the age of the space. Therefore, it’s important to choose a retirement unit you’re able to afford. See our pricing.

2. Can I afford the ongoing costs?

When you’re on a fixed budget, “ongoing costs” can be crippling and seriously impact your quality of life. In retirement villages, you can expect regular charges in everything from services provided to maintenance fees. Before you sign the dotted line, inquire about any “ongoing costs” and ask yourself if you’re able to afford them. See our levies.

3. How accessible is the location?

Moving to a retirement village might be a lifestyle chance, but it doesn’t mean life is over by any stretch of the imagination. When settling upon a location, make sure it provides good access to public transport and facilities that you might use such as a GP, shops, hospital and even leisure amenities like libraries, churches and clubs

4. Are the security arrangements sufficient?

One of the key advantages of moving to a retirement village is the added level of security these communities afford residents, so it’s important to make sure the security arrangements are sufficient. Inquire about fences, external lighting, security guards and any other measures to make sure you’re satisfied with the arrangements.

5. Is the village adaptable to my needs as I age?

You never know what’s around the corner, but if you’re not permitted to make changes inside the premises you might find yourself locked into a unit that’s wholly unsuitable. Knowing whether or not the village can be adaptable to any mobility issues that might come your way, is a key thing to consider before settling on a location. Have a look at our Frail Care facilities.

6. Am I ready for the change?

While there are many advantages that come with downsizing, it can also be quite a confronting experience and one that isn’t easily reversed. It’s important to be honest yourself, and make sure that if you’re thinking of moving to a retirement village being, you’re doing it for the right reasons.

It’s also equally as important to make sure your decision isn’t influenced by family and friends who have your best intentions at heart, won’t have to live with the consequences.

Do you live in a retirement village? Then you know how important these questions for retirement villages are.