Supporting your journey to an active, social and easy lifestyle.

A retirement village is a community of homes and lifestyle facilities designed for over 55’s who are active enough to live independently in their own home.

Residents of retirement villages benefit from added security, a community environment and additional features like community facilities and customisable services.

A retirement village is suitable for a person who is 55 and over, whether retired or still working part-time.

Retirement village operators in Australia might be privately owned, not-for-profit or publicly listed companies. Each state has its own Retirement Villages Act for the operation of villages within that state.

A retirement village is designed for people over 55 who can live independently in their own homes while enjoying the shared facilities and benefits of village living. In contrast, residents who live in residential aged care facilities (including nursing homes) require a level of daily care for their health and safety. Entry into government funded aged care is based on an assessment by a government-appointed Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). No assessment is required to living in a Retirement Village.

Depending on which state you live in, the Retirement Villages Act and your contract will allow you a settling in period during which you may decide to leave the village, without paying an exit or deferred management fee. For example, this may be a 90-day period, or as long as 12 months. Should you decide to leave during this time, you will have to pay your maintenance fees (or equivalent “rent”) and you will have to leave your home in good condition, paying for any damage that may have occurred during your occupancy. You will not receive any money for your home until it is re-sold.

One common misconception is that a retirement village is a de facto aged care facility with nursing staff on call 24/7. They are not … they are designed for independent living. However, recognizing that once living in a village, the last thing a resident want is to leave because of a health-related problem or a loss of mobility. Facilities often are prepared with 24-hour emergency buttons and may have partnerships with care service providers
who offer support to residents when needed. Having care delivered to village homes (including meals-on-wheels) helps residents continue living independently in the village for as long as possible. Residents are able to access Home Care Packages while living at the village.

Ask yourself a few questions to find a village that’s right for you. What is your preferred home design, how active or social are you? What facilities would you enjoy? Where is your preferred location: urban, regional or coastal? My Care Path consultants can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

This is your home, so friends and family are most welcome to stay with you. In a close community, other residents appreciate knowing who their neighbours are. For extended stays you may need to talk to the Village Manager.

Absolutely, we recommend it and can help you to arrange visits from a qualified shortlist that we will prepare with you. Call My Care Path today to get started.

Moving into a retirement village can have a positive impact on your life. Research tells us that strong social relationships can help us live longer and have a better chance of resisting and fighting disease. Village life is designed for socialising, with a year-round calendar of events and common spaces for connection. Of course, relaxation and downtime are a valued necessity so you can be involved as much or as little as you like. Villages are typically situated close to amenity, making life convenient and residents have access to a range of health and wellness initiatives.

Exit fees most commonly refer to the Deferred Management Fee or DMF. A contract with a DMF allows you to defer payment of the Management Fee until after you have left the village, suiting those who wish to buy a retirement home at a more affordable price and defer part of the cost of living in a village to a later date. The amount of the Deferred Management Fee (or exit fee) is dependent on the price of the home, how long you live in the village, and whether you opt to share in any capital gains or not. There is a lot to consider. Careful planning and financial advice is essential.

Each village has different policies. Small to medium sized pets are usually welcome. Typically each pet must be approved before taking up residency. There are some cases in which pets are not allowed, so check with the village you’re looking at moving to before you make any decisions.

You can choose from a variety of home styles in Retirement Villages. These vary, but generally consist of apartments, freestanding or attached homes, and serviced apartments. Apartments and homes may be one, two or three bedrooms, while serviced apartments are often one-bedroom units. These are available for those who would like to enjoy village life, but need a hand with meals, laundry and cleaning.

A resident might own a lease, purple or strata title over the home. Ownership options range from village to village. My Care Path can help tailor your qualified shortlist, to give you the best choices.

These can vary from Prepaid Plans, Deferred Management Fees, Refundable Contributions and Pay as You Go. Get tailored financial and legal advice to take into account your unique circumstances. My Care Path can help you understand your options.

The cost of living in a retirement village will vary depending on the contract you choose and the size of house you choose to live in. There are also several costs associated with living in a retirement village besides the price of your home. The main costs to consider are service fee, establishment fee, and management fee. When and how you pay these will depend on the contract you choose to take out. Further costs to take into account include legal fees, reinstatement costs, selling costs, GST, stamp duty and Deferred Management fee (DMF).

This will depend on the village and your contract. My Care Path can guide you through all of the considerations to weigh up what will be best in your circumstances. However, just like all real estate transations you will need to get legal advice prior to signing any contract.

It’s important to know your rights when living in a retirement village. The Retirement Villages Act is the state-based legislation created to protect your rights. It informs all owners and operators of their obligations to residents and requires them to conduct their business within a strict framework.

Each village is different, but facilities may include swimming pools, hairdressing salons, bar areas, bowling greens, billiards rooms and business centres equipped with computers and internet access. Health and happiness are an important part of life. Villages may offer wellness programs and activities such as run groups, yoga, Tai Chi, circuit, walking groups, cycling groups, social groups, sports and other excursions. There may also be a mini bus with a roster of excursions and outings.