Understanding Retirement Village Living
What Are Your Options?
Retirement villages typically offer different types of accommodation, from independent villas to serviced apartments with varying levels of support. As you explore, consider what type of home would suit your lifestyle now and potentially in the future. What level of independence do you want to maintain? How important is access to hospital-level care services if your needs change?
The Financial Picture
Understanding the financial aspects is crucial. This typically includes an initial contribution (sometimes called a licence-to-occupy), regular fees, and understanding what happens when you eventually leave. It can be helpful to talk with a financial adviser to understand how this compares to maintaining your current home.
Life Changes to Consider
Downsizing: Is It Time?
Many people find their family home becomes too large or demanding to maintain as they get older. Garden upkeep, home maintenance, and managing a large property can become overwhelming. Retirement village living often means downsizing to a more manageable space. Think about whether you're ready to simplify your living arrangements and what possessions truly matter to you.
Maintaining Your Independence
One of the benefits of retirement village living is the balance between independence and available support. Consider how important it is to you to have help nearby if you need it, while still maintaining your own home and privacy.
Healthcare and Future Care Needs
While you might be fit and healthy now, thinking ahead about healthcare is sensible planning. Retirement villages often provide access to various levels of care as your needs change. Kerikeri Retirement Villages is one of the few options in the Far North that proved hospital-level care alongside independent living.
Practical Matters to Think About
Your Daily Life
Imagine your day-to-day life in a retirement village. Would you enjoy:
o Being part of a community with organised activities and social events?
o Having home maintenance and grounds care taken care of for you?
o Access to communal facilities like lounges, gardens, or activity rooms?
o The security of living in a monitored, safe environment?
Staying Connected
Consider how you'd maintain relationships with family and friends. Think about proximity to loved ones, visitor facilities, and whether the location suits your social needs. How important is it to remain close to your current community, or are you open to a new area?
Your Current Home
If you own your home, thinking ahead about the property market and the process of selling is wise. There's no rush but understanding the steps involved in transitioning from home ownership to village living helps you plan.
Your Lifestyle and Interests
Community and Social Life
Some people thrive on social interaction, while others value their privacy. Retirement villages typically offer a calendar of activities, communal dining options, and social events. Would this type of community appeal to you, or do you prefer a quieter lifestyle?
Hobbies and Activities
Think about your interests and hobbies. Would village living support these, or might it open up new opportunities? Many residents discover new interests through village activities and clubs.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- As you consider retirement village living, here are some helpful questions to reflect on:
- Am I finding my current home difficult to maintain?
- Do I worry about being isolated or would I benefit from more social opportunities?
- Would I feel more secure in a community environment?
- How important is it to have care services available if my health changes?
- Am I ready to simplify my living situation?
- What would give me the best quality of life in the years ahead?
No Pressure, Just Planning
There's no perfect time to move to a retirement village, and this decision is deeply personal. Some people move while still very active and independent, wanting to establish themselves in a community while they're able to fully participate. Others wait until they need more support.
The key is being informed so that when the time feels right for you or your family, you'll know what to expect and what questions to ask.
Learn More
We understand that considering retirement village living involves many factors. Our team at Kerikeri Retirement Village is happy to answer your questions without any obligation. You can also find more information here (link to Care FAQs).
You're welcome to:
- Book a tour
- Pick up an information pack, or call our reception to have one sent to you
- Explore the rest of our website for detailed information about services and support
- Speak with current residents about their experiences
Taking time to think about your future living arrangements is a positive step. We're here to provide information and support whenever you're ready to explore your options.
