Moving to a retirement village may seem daunting, so here are some common questions and answers to help making the decision easier.
Q1 – What are retirement villages?
A retirement village is a community for retired older adults to enjoy independent living in a friendly and supportive environment, with a range of facilities and services close by. Retirement Villages consist of houses or apartments, and other facilities such as a community hub, gyms, hair salons, gardens, theatres and more. Residents experience a strong sense of community and can participate in a variety of social activities and outings.
Q2 – Why do people move to a retirement village?
People choose to move to a retirement village for a variety of reasons, including:
• a low-maintenance lifestyle, as full-time maintenance teams means you don’t have to worry about the upkeep of your home or gardens, or even changing a Light-bulb!
• Security, with onsite management staff and the ability to lock up and go for an extended holiday with the knowledge someone is always keeping an eye on your home.
• Emergency call systems, with 24-hour help available at the press of a button.
• Higher levels of care available onsite at some Villages, such as aged care, in case you or your spouse’s care needs change.
• No need to pay rates, council fees or stamp duty at not-for-profit villages.
• Social activities including bus trips, Happy Hour, barbecues, dinners, billiards, movie nights to name a few.
• Facilities such as hair salons, cafes and kiosks, theatre rooms, libraries and barbecue facilities are often available close by.
Q3 – What type of accommodation is available?
A range of accommodation is available at Christadelphian Homes’ retirement villages, including one, two and three bedroom apartments and units, with ground floor, upper level, attached and detached options.
Q4 – How much does it cost?
The price of moving into a Village is much less than the housing market rate, so after selling your home it usually leaves residents with a good amount to live off throughout their retirement years.
Residents pay an ingoing contribution, which is refunded when they leave the village minus a portion that is kept and used for the upkeep and renovation of common areas. This amount equates to what would be paid in rent over that same period, and is 5% a year, capped at six years in NSW (a maximum of 30%) and seven in QLD (a maximum of 35%).
There are also monthly fees that cover services such as maintenance and landscaping, rubbish removal etc.
Q5 – What if my needs change or I want to leave?
When you wish to leave the Village, your ongoing contribution will be returned to you, minus a portion that is kept and used for the upkeep and renovation of common areas. See the above question for more information.
If your care needs change and you require residential aged care services, and wish to enter a Christadelphian Aged Care Home, you can be referred to one of our Resident Services Officers, who will help guide you through the process. Entry is subject to both availability and an admission assessment. Allocation at all aged care homes is done on a “needs” basis, and a placement is not guaranteed.
Q6 – What makes our villages different?
Christadelphian Homes is a not-for-profit provider of retirement living services, and any surplus profits are reinvested back into caring for our residents and facilities.
Our Retirement Villages are run in accordance with our Vales and Mission, and we aim to provide a friendly and supportive Christian environment for our residents.
Our caring and compassionate staff are always there to help our residents enjoy a purposeful retirement, including our pastoral carers, lifestyle staff, management and administration.
Christadelphian Homes operates retirement villages in Westmead and North Parramatta in NSW, and in Kallangur in QLD.
Please give us an obligation-free call on 1800 246 637 or for more information at www.chomes.com.au
