Moving into a retirement community doesn't have the same stigma it once did. For many people, deciding to make the move represents a brand new start, with the opportunity to live life like you've never been able to before.
With that said, once you do move to a retirement village, you probably won't want to move again, so it's important to choose the right community first time. As part of your research, you should make a short list of places you want to visit so you can see them first hand. When you do visit, remember to ask these questions to help you get a feel for whether or not it's suitable for you.
What are the available activities?
Many retirement villages are hubs of activity, with lots of ways to fill your time. Of course, these activities will vary from one place to the next, so you should ask exactly what's on offer in places you're considering.
Make sure you won't be bored, and that the things you'll enjoy doing will be available to you. It's all well and good having lots of things to do, but you'll be bored if few of them appeal to you.
What meals are provided?
The food arrangements can vary between retirement villages, and you should find out exactly what you'll be getting to eat and when.
Find out if there are set meals or a range of choices, and whether or not you can eat in different places or if there's a central catering facility.
How much assistance is available?
One of the benefits of a retirement village is that there's usually help available if you need it, whether it's for daily living or in the event of a medical problem.
Even if you're in good health when you move, you might need to know for the future.
What else is nearby?
Sometimes, you might want to get out and about, so if you don't know the area well, ask what else is around. It's also worth checking whether there's transport available and how easy it is to access.
Will you need to pay for extras?
You might find that not everything is included in the standard rent. Find out the cost of extras like meals and activities, and factor it into your budget planning.
What's it really like?
A question you should ask existing residents rather than staff is what it's actually like to live there. This will give you an honest idea about how much it will suit you.
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