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Open Day Checklist: Choosing the Perfect Village
With the new year just around the corner, you may be thinking about where you want to be the next New Years Eve. If you are dreaming of being in your own place, complete with luxurious finishings and support if you need it, a retirement village may be for you. If you are unsure about what your lifestyle and accommodation options are for retirees, read our guide here.
When going on-site visits to villages, it is important to have a few questions in mind. On your next site-visit bring this checklist to ensure you are moving into the perfect fit.
Location
Location is one of the most important aspects of a retirement village. Think about your drive there, and whether it would be a place you could imagine yourself living. Plus:
⬜ Proximity to friends or family: Do you have friends or family members nearby? Is it important to you that your grandkids can come over at the weekend?
⬜ What’s in the area: Depending on your interests, it’s a good idea to ask about what there is in the immediate area. For example, check if there is a swimming pool, a cafe or supermarket in walking or short driving distance.
⬜ Community activities: Do you love your current book club? It is important to check whether you can continue with your current community activities, or if there are good alternatives.
⬜ Beaches, walking spaces, or other attractions: Following your site visit, it is a good idea to have a walk or drive around to see the natural attractions.
Facilities
When considering a village, it is important to see the facilities they offer and ask your guide questions about them. If you are a keen reader, ask if they have a library. Or if you can’t go a Saturday without your morning swim, ask about a pool.
⬜ Do the facilities reflect what you enjoy, and are you excited about them?
⬜ Are they of a high standard? Ask your guide about when they were built, and how frequently they are updated
⬜ Would they be easily accessible from your apartment? Check if they are far, or ramp accessible
⬜ Are there outdoor spaces?
Is there room for friends and family?
Remember, your village apartment is still your home! Check what the policy for guests is while on your visit. Greenview Park, for example, welcomes all short-term guests so you can have friends, family or loved ones with you wherever you wish.
⬜ Can friends and family stay over?
⬜ Are there multiple bedroom apartment options?
Transport
Although you may be driving now, it is important to consider 10, 15 years down the track when that is no longer an option. A good retirement village will grow and adapt with you, and that includes offering various transport options.
⬜ Car: Are there plenty of safe car parks, for yourself and any guests? Also, think about the road, and whether it is difficult to drive around in the surrounding area.
⬜ Bus: Public transport is a great alternative to driving – and is very economical with your SuperGold card! Ask what the options are, and if there are bus stops nearby. Consider how far you would have to bus to get to the doctors or supermarket.
⬜ Van: Does the village have a van? Ask what the costs are, and how full they get
Can I bring my pet?
⬜ Pet policy: Can I bring existing pets into the village?
Atmosphere
Perhaps most importantly, how do you feel walking through the village? Our residents describe their first visit as coming home, and it just ‘felt right’.
⬜ Do you feel comfortable?
⬜ Can you talk to the residents: One of the best ways to determine is a place is for you is by talking to the current residents! No one knows a village better than those that live there.
⬜ Does it feel like your space? Before making your final decision, ask yourself whether you can see yourself living there now, and in 5 years time.
There are lots of things to think about when visiting a retirement village for the first time. We hope that with this guide you will find the village of your dreams.
If you need help with your retirement planning or would like to visit Greenview Park, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!