Finding the right retirement village

When considering a move to a retirement village, it’s important to visit and tour multiple communities to find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. These visits allow you to assess the quality of care, amenities, and overall atmosphere of each village. But to make an informed decision, you’ll need to ask the right questions during your tour. Below are essential questions to ask to help you evaluate and compare different retirement villages before making your decision.

What Levels of Care Are Available?

One of the first things you’ll want to know is what type of care the village provides. Understanding the levels of care available will ensure that the community can meet your needs now and in the future.

• Current and Future Needs: Does the village offer independent living, support services for independent living and assisted living?  If your health or care needs change, can the village accommodate you without requiring a move?
• Continuum of Care: Is there a continuum of care available, where you can transition to higher levels of care while remaining in the same community?

Mount Gilead Estate Retirement village offers a range of care services that can be tailored to suit your requirements over time.  These services are available from a number of service providers that work at the village, enabling our residents to select what best suits their specific needs.

What Are the Costs and What’s Included?

Understanding the costs associated with living in a retirement village is crucial. Ask for a clear breakdown of fees to avoid surprises down the line.

• What is the monthly fee?: Ask about the base cost for living in the village and what it includes. What services incur extra charges?
• Are there entrance fees or upfront costs?: Retirement villages have an entrance fee or buy-in, which can be substantial. Make sure you understand any upfront costs required before moving in.
• What happens to fees if my care needs change?: If you need to transition to assisted living or require additional care services, how will your fees change? Will you need to pay more, and if so, how much?

Mount Gilead Estate Retirement village is transparent with its costs and offers amongst the lowest ongoing costs to its residents, relative to the vast facilities on offer.

What Services and Amenities Are Offered?

Retirement villages often provide a variety of services and amenities to improve your quality of life. During your tour, inquire about the types of services that are available.

• What health and wellness services are provided?: Are there on-site healthcare services, such as regular doctor visits, nursing care, or physical therapy? Does the village offer fitness programs or wellness initiatives like yoga or exercise classes?
• What are the dining options?: Are meals provided, and if so, how are they prepared? Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Are meals included in the monthly fee or do they cost extra?
• Is transportation available?: If you don’t plan to drive, ask about transportation options for shopping, appointments, and social outings. Are these services included or do they come at an additional cost?
• Are there social and recreational activities?: Does the village have organized activities, clubs, and events? Are there opportunities for residents to socialize, such as regular outings, games, or movie nights?

Mount Gilead Estate offers a comprehensive and unrivaled list of amenities and services to its residents.  These include a 9-hole private residents golf course, a luxurious approx. 3000 m2 multi-level main clubhouse and community facility, an outdoor fully landscaped garden, lawn bowls facility, gymnasium and indoor heated and outdoor swimming facilities.

What Are the Living Arrangements Like?

Understanding the living spaces and how they meet your preferences is another key aspect of your decision-making process.

• What types of housing options are available?: Ask about the variety of living arrangements offered, such as apartments and villas, or cottages. What size options are available?
• Are the homes designed for aging in place?: Look for features like step-free entryways, wide doorways, walk-in showers, and handrails. Are the homes accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
• Can I personalize my living space?: Are residents allowed to make changes to their homes, such as painting walls or adding personal fixtures? Personalization can make your new home feel more comfortable.

The range of living options available at Mount Gilead Estate Retirement village is vast and each dwelling has been designed to reflect the current and anticipated needs of its residents.

What Is the Care Quality?

The quality of care provided in a retirement village is closely linked to the quality of the staff and the training of the caregivers.

• What qualifications do staff members have?: Are the caregivers and staff certified and licensed? What ongoing training do they receive to stay updated on best practices for elder care?
• What emergency care services are available?: Inquire about the availability of emergency services, such as 24-hour on-call medical emergency response systems.

What Is the Village’s Atmosphere and Culture?

The community atmosphere plays a large role in your overall happiness and comfort. Asking about the village’s culture will give you a sense of what daily life will be like.

• How would you describe the community?: Ask both staff and residents to describe the social environment. Is it active and lively, or quiet and relaxed? Does it seem like a close-knit community where residents support one another?
• What types of residents live here?: Ask about the age range of residents and their backgrounds. Some retirement villages cater to specific demographics, such as more active seniors or those with specific health needs.
• What opportunities are there for socializing?: Are residents encouraged to participate in social activities? Is it easy to make new friends and get involved in the community?

What Are the Village’s Policies on Visitors and Pets?

Village policies on visitors and pets can affect your quality of life, especially if you plan to have frequent family visits or want to bring a pet.

• What are the visitor policies?: Are there restrictions on how often visitors can come and how long they can stay? Can family members spend the night or stay for extended periods?
• Is the village pet-friendly?: If you have a pet or are considering getting one, ask about the pet policy. Are there restrictions on the type, size, or number of pets allowed? Are there any pet-friendly facilities, like dog parks or walking trails?

What Are the Village’s Rules and Regulations?

Understanding the rules and regulations of the retirement village can help you assess whether it will be a good fit for your lifestyle.

• Are there restrictions on daily activities?: Some villages have rules around quiet hours, use of communal spaces, or limitations on renovations and modifications to your living space. Make sure you’re comfortable with these restrictions.
• What happens if a resident becomes unable to live independently?: Ask about the village’s policy for residents who need to move to higher levels of care. Will they be able to stay within the same community, or would they need to relocate?
• What are the policies regarding moving out?: Understand the process for leaving the village if your circumstances change. Are there penalties for early departure, or do you need to give a certain amount of notice?

Visiting and touring multiple retirement villages is an essential step in making an informed decision. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the village you choose provides the level of care, services, and lifestyle that best suits your needs. Remember to take your time, compare answers from different villages, and trust your instincts to find the right community for your retirement years.