When looking to a move to a retirement village, it’s important to consider how your new surroundings will suit your lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when making your shortlist:
Village life
- Is it easy for loved ones to visit? Can your friends/whānau (such as grandchildren) stay? If so, for how long?
- Is the village close to services that are important to you? Your GP/local healthcare, church, clubs, or shops?
- What transport is available? Is there a village shuttle or bus stop nearby? Could you afford regular taxis?
- Are the onsite facilities (café, pool, bowling green, dining room, lounge) of interest/use to you? Are they well maintained? Can visitors use them? Are new amenities planned?
- Do you prefer your own company or are you a social butterfly? How might village living affect your quality of life?
- Do the social activities on offer excite you? What are the costs?
- What are the security measures? Is there sensor lighting? Can gates be locked? Is it patrolled at night?
- What are the village’s rules? Can they be changed? If so, do residents have a say in changing the rules?
- Is there a residents committee? What is its role? How is the AGM organised? Can residents participate?
- How are residents kept informed about village matters? Are there regular meetings between residents and management? Are newsletters/ noticeboards kept up to date?
Find more helpful articles about how to choose the best retirement village for you on our Knowledge Lab. Alternatively, download our checklist to help you on your search.
Updated: 28 Nov 2022