Moving to a retirement village is a big decision — it’s important to get independent advice say the New Zealand government
Making the decision
When you think about moving to a retirement village you need to consider your needs, preferences, and the costs.
Living in a retirement village (external site link)
Moving to a retirement village — checklists and tips (external site link)
Age Concern gives free independent advice about moving to a retirement village.
Contact Age Concern (external site link)
If you need extra care
If you need extra care, rest homes offer more than retirement villages.
Rest homes and residential care
Find a registered retirement village
To be registered the retirement village must follow the law and the Code of Practice.
Finding a registered retirement village (external site link)
Legal advice
Buying into a retirement village is different from buying a house or
apartment. You need to get independent legal advice before you sign up.
Finding independent legal advice (external site link)
Costs
Retirement villages can set their own fees.
You have to pay an entry payment, weekly fees and exit costs. There
might be more costs if you negotiate extra services or if your
healthcare needs change.
Costs and financial implications (external site link)
Complain about a retirement village
If you want to make a complaint, contact the manager of the retirement village first.
Residents must be given a copy of the complaints policy if they ask
for it, and there must be a copy handy for residents to read at any
time.
