While the decision to move into a retirement village can be daunting, it’s important to spend time visiting various villages and their facilities to experience the general atmosphere and see if a particular village meets your needs.
For many retirees, decisions are strongly influenced by whether or not you get a ‘good feeling’ about the retirement village in question. The best way to do this is to talk to some of the residents, as they will be able to give you a first-hand account of the social atmosphere and activities available at the village.
“Take the time to navigate your way around the village and establish for yourself whether the village, its gardens and common property are well maintained and give a sense of space. A tour of the village will also enable you to determine the quality of the facilities available, such as a heated swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, hair salon and library,” says Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid’s general manager: services and advance division.
“You should also determine whether the village is conveniently located close to shopping centres, hospitals and major routes, as well as whether the village offers services such as shopping trips,” she adds.
When selecting a retirement village, also always remember to ask the right questions. For example, ‘What type of accommodation is available – cottages, apartments or flats – and are the units spacious enough for my needs?’, ‘Is unit and garden maintenance included in the levy’, ‘Will I have a garage?’, ‘Will my unit have access to fibre?’, and ‘Do you offer recuperative care and frail care facilities should I need them in future?’.
It’s also important to understand the nature of the village’s property development scheme. For example, is the village a sectional title or life right purchase?
“This is when you will discover that not all retirement villages are the same. You need to sit down with the village’s management staff and get them to explain the scheme, terms of the contract and ongoing fees,” says Zabeth.
Rand Aid Association offers accommodation in a variety of independent-living, life right retirement villages – Elphin Lodge, Thornhill Manor and Inyoni Creek – all of which offer residents a quality lifestyle, in a carefree and secure environment, in beautiful grounds with abundant birdlife, dams and many opportunities for tranquil and safe walking and enjoying nature.
For more information about Rand Aid, its various independent living retirement villages and its frail care centres, visit www.randaid.co.za. To stay up to date with Rand Aid’s news, like its Facebook page: @RandAidAssociation.
