Retirement villages are the best place to spend your retirement years. At the village, you live independently and enjoy the company of other seniors living in the complex. Read the extract below to understand the various considerations to make when choosing a retirement village. 

Location 

Preferably, the retirement village should be located close to where your family members live. Therefore, you can enjoy regular visits from your children and grandchildren. If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, arthritis or cancer, choose a retirement village located close to your hospital of choice. Other considerations to make is the village's proximity to amenities such as malls and banks. 

Costs

You could either rent or purchase a house in the complex. Some retirement villages have a lease option where tenants pay a deposit followed by an annual fee for a specified number of years. 

Do not strain your finances by purchasing property that you cannot afford. As a senior, you may have limited sources of income since you are no longer in active employment. Your best option would be to sell your house and move into the retirement village. 

Waitlist

Some retirement villages have a long waitlist due to the high number of retirees that would want to move into the complex. Typically, they ask you for a reservation fee and contact you once they find a property that suits your needs. Before paying the reservation fee, ask how long the waitlist is and how many people move into the village every year. You may want to avoid villages that keep clients waiting for years. 

Neighbours

When looking for a property, inquire about your neighbours and other seniors at the village. Are they people you can socialise with? Some villages are inhabited by special groups such as former military officers, LBGT community, teachers or members of particular religious organisations. It is best to settle in a society where you will easily fit in.

Services Offered

The village should have recreational facilities such as swimming pools, golf courses and tennis courts. Some have special interest groups such as book clubs, charity organisations and travel groups. Seniors with a long-term illness may be interested in facilities that have medical staff and employees to conduct house chores such as cleaning and shopping. 

Choosing a retirement village should not be difficult with the tips above. Engage your spouse and children when choosing a retirement village. Go for an affordable facility where seniors live life to the fullest.