There are many advantages to living in a retirement village in New Zealand. From community spirit to healthcare, here are ten of the most attractive benefits.
Please note: All retirement villages are different. Most villages have the below features in common, but it’s important to visit villages in-person to find out more about their unique benefits. Please use our search tool to make contact with villages of interest or to request an information pack.
1. Community spirit
Most retirement villages have a warm and welcoming community. You’ll likely live alongside like-minded neighbours with the opportunity to make new friends. Many villages coordinate voluntary social activities to encourage neighbourly bonds, such as group outings, quiz nights, and hobby groups.
2. Independence
It’s a myth that moving into a retirement village will rob you of your independence. This is simply not true. You’ll lead an independent life and have complete autonomy over your schedule. You might choose to participate in group activities and outings, but you have absolutely no obligation to do so. Unless you want extra support or companionship, you’ll be able to go about your daily routines, hobbies, and interests as you would if you were living outside the village.
3. Low-maintenance
Homes in retirement villages are purpose-built for retirees, which means they are almost always low-maintenance. Whether you choose to live in a villa, unit or apartment, you’ll be able to down your DIY tools and spend more time doing what you enjoy.
4. Security
Most retirement villages have good onsite security, such as monitored cameras or onsite security guards. Knowing that there is a dedicated team keeping both you and your home safe and secure will bring you great peace of mind.
The level of security differs from village to village, so it’s important to ask the sales manager for details.
5. Facilities on your doorstep
At a retirement village, you’ll have some fantastic facilities within a short stroll from your front door. Nearly all retirement villages have a communal TV and communal dining area at a minimum, and many have swimming pools, gyms, hair salons, and more. Facilities vary widely from village to village, so it’s important to ‘shop around’ to find a village that best suits your needs and wishes.
6. Services at your fingertips
Fancy some help with your laundry? Want some light housekeeping assistance? Keen to try a meal delivery service? Most retirement villages offer a selection of add-on services you can request for additional fees. Then there are all the services that are included in your fees, such as maintenance of communal areas/facilities and external home maintenance. In a retirement village, you’ll find plenty of services available designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
7. Healthcare
As a village resident, you’ll likely have access to healthcare practitioners such as registered nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and podiatrists. These healthcare staff may be employed or contracted by the village or they may work at the onsite care home (if the village has one).
Most retirement villages offer full continuum of care, meaning there will be clear healthcare pathways available if you need them (for example, if you need to move into a care home or receive some medical support within your own home).
Some villages even offer specialised support for certain health conditions such as dementia.
As healthcare services vary from village to village, it’s important to research this carefully and ask the sales manager about specific healthcare pathways.
8. Emergency support
Most retirement villages have emergency call buttons in every home and common area. These push buttons tend to be monitored 24/7 by trained first aid staff, giving you peace of mind that help is always close by.
9. Code of Residents’ Rights
All registered retirement villages are required to comply with the 2003 Retirement Villages Act. Included in this Act is the Code of Residents’ Rights, which outline the general terms of respect and care that all residents are entitled to when they live in a registered village.
Here are some examples of the rights it guarantees:
- The right to services and benefits as detailed in the occupation right agreement
- The right to information about matters that could affect your residency
- The right to be consulted about potential changes to services, benefits and charges
- The right to complain and receive a timely response
- The right to dispute resolution, with a support person
- The right to be treated with courtesy, and not be exploited
These rights mean you will be legally entitled to a high level of respect and care throughout your retirement years.
10. Peace of mind
With features such as emergency call buttons and onsite healthcare and security, one of the greatest benefits of living in a retirement village is peace of mind. You can relax in the knowledge that the village cares about your wellbeing, and that if you need support or companionship, you will have options.
Ultimately, living in a village offers the best of both worlds: autonomy and support.
