Choosing a retirement village is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many fantastic options out there, which range from vibrant retirement living in resort-style communities to more tranquil settings, your dream retirement lifestyle is out there, you just have to find it!
1. Figure out what matters most
Before you start touring retirement villages, think about what’s most important to you. Do you want to be close to family and friends and remain in a familiar location, or are you craving a complete change with new experiences and places to explore? Defining your priorities will help you narrow down the locations that best suit your lifestyle.
No matter what you’re looking for, St Ives retirement villages offer a perfect blend of convenience and community. Each village is designed with resort-style amenities, providing everything you need just around the corner from your front door. Whether it’s a bustling social calendar, fantastic on-site amenities, or exciting events, you’ll find a welcoming, tight-knit community where you’ll always feel safe and secure.
2. Explore different types of retirement villages
Retirement villages aren’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll find everything from independent living units, such as St Ives, to villages offering aged care facilities with significant health support. Here’s a simple breakdown of the types of retirement villages in Australia:
Retirement village
A community of houses, apartments and villas that offer a strong sense of community. They allow residents to trade somewhat challenging household maintenance for free time to explore hobbies and activities with a plethora of amenities such as hair-dressing salons.
Serviced apartments
A great option for retirees looking to maintain independence, but require a higher level of support with maintenance and chores. Serviced apartments will typically change your linens, provide cleaning services and in some cases provide meals.
Co-Located Villages
Co-located villages are traditional retirement villages located next door to an aged care facility to provide a smooth transition between locations should you require a higher degree of assistance in your later retirement years.
Assisted Living
Offering the highest level of care, assisted living communities provide those most in need with round-the-clock care.
Whether you dream of a light-filled villa surrounded by manicured gardens or resort-style accommodation with amenities like a swimming pool and gym, there’s something for everyone.
3. Take a tour (or a few!)
Visiting a retirement village is the best way to get a feel for the community and the retirement lifestyle. Check out the facilities, community rooms, beauty salons, indoor pools, and lush gardens. Make sure to take your family along with you to help you remember all of the information and help you make the all-important decision of which retirement village is best suited to you.
4. Understand your retirement village contract
Retirement village contracts can be a bit of a puzzle. Make sure you’re clear on costs (entry, ongoing, and exit fees) and the terms of your agreement. Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice to ensure everything is crystal clear before you sign on the dotted line.
You can learn more about the St Ives fee structure in this article.
5. Speak to residents
Who better to tell you what village life is like than the people who live there? Current residents can share their experiences about the community vibe, the retirement village itself, the village manager, and all the little details that make a big difference.
St Ives knows that talking to existing residents is an important part of the decision, that is why we invite people considering retirement in one of our villages to attend our village events (your family is welcome to join too!). You’ll have the opportunity to speak to members of our resident committee, experience the community culture first-hand, and get a feel for whether or not it’s what you’re looking for.
Finding the right retirement village is all about doing your homework and trusting your instincts. With the right blend of facilities, lifestyle, community spirit, and support, you’ll find a place that feels just like home, only with plenty more recreational facilities and maybe a billiards table!If you need more guidance, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about finding a retirement community where you can live independently, make new friends, and enjoy your retirement to the fullest!