TOPIC 1 Discover a

community that suits your needs

TOPIC 2 Find out how this style of living can minimise stress

TOPIC 3 Learn all the facts about costs and

ownership

TOPIC 4Understand your options if your needs change

TOPIC 5 Unlock tips on

downsizing from industry experts

$

Your complimentary guide to everything you need to know

about retirement villages

Do you or your family have questions about retirement village living? Retire Ready has the answers!

Noreen, RetireAustralia resident

3. Activities and events create opportunitiesMost retirement communities offer a diverse range of social activities and events–from bowls to painting group to cards–so you’re bound to find something that suits you. Organised activities can also be a great way to meet new people.

For some residents, the opportunity to join committees and lead new activities for others to enjoy can be especially rewarding.

5 ways a retirement community can keep you connected

1. Your neighbours become friendsDo you remember a time when your neighbourhood was your main social outlet? Retirement communities reignite these simple ways to connect. When your friends live just a street away, staying in touch is easy. Every day offers fresh opportunities for social interaction: a chat by the mailbox, a cup of tea or even just a wave in the street.

2. You’re surrounded by like-minded peopleRetirement communities are designed to bring people at the same stage of life together. Everyone is unique, but when you’re living among people of a similar age, there’s a good chance you’ll find plenty in common.

Are you finding it harder to stay in touch with friends? When you can’t catch up as often as you used to, it can be easy to feel isolated or lonely. After all, life is always better when you’re sharing it with others.

Being part of an inclusive, welcoming community removes many of the barriers to building and maintaining lasting friendships.

2

5. You can be as involved as you likeYou’ll never feel pressured to get involved, but the opportunities to connect are always there when you want them. Whether you prefer to fill your days with friends or to spend them relaxing in the privacy of your home or pursuing interests outside the village, the choice is entirely yours.

4. Common spaces make catching up easyResidents in retirement communities can make use of a range of great communal facilities, from the community centre to the swimming pool and bowling green. While the specific facilities on offer vary from village to village, there is always a central place where residents can connect and socialise.

BONUS: Are you a Social Sandy or a Private Pat?

Visit retireaustralia.com.au/community-quiz/ to take our quiz to find out and receive tips on what you should look for in a retirement community.

Gary & Danny, RetireAustralia residents

3

A worry-free lifestyle... is it possible?Is it getting harder to keep on top of household chores, or are you concerned about maintaining your property or garden on your own? Do you delay having things done because you need to ask for help? It’s easy for worries to build up when we can’t take care of things like we used to.

Life is more relaxed when you have no household maintenance or gardening to worry about, and being part of a retirement community means you never need to own a lawnmower or a wobbly ladder again if you don’t want to.

You’ve spent your life doing household chores, so why not relax and let someone else take care of things? In a retirement community, you won’t have to worry about your dripping tap or flickering lightbulb–dedicated staff will take care of it for you.

There’s no need to worry about the garden getting out of control, either. A professional team will look after it and they’ll work with you to do things the way you like them.

Help is always at handIf you need assistance, you don’t need to wait until your friends or family have a spare moment. Whether it’s peace of mind granted by your 24-hour emergency call system, a simple maintenance process or the comforting knowledge that staff are close by, you’ll always feel supported and secure.

Forget about home maintenance

4

More time for the things you enjoyHow much time and worry could you save if you didn’t have to struggle with everyday tasks alone? What would you do instead? Without the hassle of home maintenance, you can lead a more manageable lifestyle with more time to enjoy your friends, family and hobbies. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore some of the great social activities on offer!

BONUS: What would you rather be doing with your time?

Swap your household chores for free time and a clear mind with our Chore Swapper flyer found on page 12!

Elva, RetireAustralia resident

5

Retirement village contracts can be confusing and many people find it difficult to understand the difference between one contract and another.

If you’re considering a retirement community, it’s important to understand that buying into a retirement village is different to buying a residential property.

THERE ARE THREE MAIN CONTRACT TYPES:1. Leasehold: Most retirement communities offer leasehold agreements, which allow residents to live in the dwelling for the duration of a long-term lease. Residents don’t own the dwelling or land but their tenancy is secure for as long as they want to stay.

2. Licence: Similar to a leasehold agreement, except that a licence agreement will not be registered under title.

3. Strata title / freehold: Some retirement villages offer strata title agreements, where residents own their dwelling and share ownership of common facilities and land.

Unlike your previous property purchases, buying into a retirement community should be considered as an investment in a unique lifestyle rather than for financial gain. The majority of retirement communities operate under a similar financial model, which consists of three main costs:

1. Ingoing contribution: Just like in the normal property market, the resident pays an entry price for their new home based on–although usually lower than–the local market, along with the size/style of the dwelling.

BONUS: When comparing retirement villages, make sure you’re getting the right information by completing our Village Comparison Tool, found on page 13!

Everything you need to know about retirement village contracts

6

EVERY CONTRACT IS DIFFERENT, SO BE SURE TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS:• What type of agreement will I be entering

(leasehold, licence or strata)?

• What happens if I change my mind? Is there a cooling off or settling-in period?

• How much is the exit/departure fee and how is it calculated?

• How much are the village fees?

• What reinstatement or refurbishment fees will I pay when I leave?

• What sales and marketing fees will I pay when I leave?

• Is there a guaranteed buyback if my home hasn’t sold within a certain period of time?

• How much money will I receive when I leave?

• Can I transfer within the village, to another village or to a higher care apartment?

2. Village fees: Residents pay a monthly fee, agreed in consultation with residents each year, to cover ongoing village costs. This fee also covers council rates, water rates, building insurance, and building and garden maintenance.

3. Exit/departure fee: The exit/departure fee is how retirement villages can keep their entry prices more affordable and covers the operator’s investment and large-scale village improvements. The amount is calculated based on how long a resident lives in the village and will vary from operator to operator.

YOU WILL PAY THREE MAIN COSTS

$

$$

$

7

What will you do if your health needs change?We all need a little extra help from time to time, and as we get older, our needs can change significantly. Many people think aged care is their only choice when they begin to need more support, but a retirement community may be able to give you the help you need.

What’s the difference between a retirement community and aged care? Retirement villages are different from aged care in a number of ways:

• Residents are generally independent

• Residents and visitors can come and go as they please

• Couples can stay together

• Pets are welcome at most villages

What services are available? The services available vary from village to village, but may include:

P Meals

P Cleaning

P Linen and personal laundry

P Bed making

P Medication assistance

P Assistance with showering and dressing

In most cases, you can either access a package of support services or choose the ones you need on an individual, flexible basis.

What are my options? Many retirement communities offer different living options to cater to different needs:

Independent living: Independent living residents live as they would in their own home with added security and social connection. Some villages also deliver domestic or care services into independent living units.

Care apartment: Also known as a serviced apartment, this living option offers regular assistance and added peace of mind. Generally, residents receive 24-hour support from on-site staff and have access to a range of services.

8

Today, many people choose to pay for in-home support so they can relax and enjoy their spare time. Whether it’s cleaning, laundry, garden maintenance or meal preparation, people are choosing the support they need. Retirement communities make accessing this support easy and more affordable.

Losing independence is a major concern for many older people, but saying yes to support can help you regain your independence. When you’re paying for quality services, you can feel confident you’re receiving the help you need.

Whether you’re starting to need more help or simply know it’s a possibility later on, it’s important to factor your care needs into your retirement plans.

Australia’s population isn’t getting any younger, and many retirement village operators are increasing their care offerings to provide residents with more support. RetireAustralia is one major operator doing just that with plans to introduce care services to all villages in the coming years, including those that currently only offer independent living.

HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY INDEPENDENCE?

WHAT IF MY PREFERRED VILLAGE DOESN’T OFFER CARE?

BONUS: Not sure which living option would suit you best? visit

retireaustralia.com.au/living-option-quiz/ to find the ideal living option for you!

9

Does moving house seem like a daunting prospect? Over the years, you’ve accumulated many memories and belongings, and you probably don’t want to say goodbye to the family home.

If you decide to make a move, don’t think of it as downsizing! ‘Rightsizing’ to a lower-maintenance home and a low-stress lifestyle will make it all worthwhile.

1. Don’t try to do everything yourselfMoving house is difficult–from the physical work to the emotional strain–and when you’re getting older, it can be even harder. It’s important not to overdo it, so take your time, enlist help from family or friends and consider paying an expert to help out. There are many companies who can take the stress out of your move with their decluttering and downsizing services.

3. Declutter by categoryMoving from a large family home to a smaller dwelling or a unit in a retirement village may require a degree of downsizing that you’ve never experienced before. Try grouping objects into categories and starting with less emotional items before working your way up to photos and other sentimental memorabilia.

2. Choose the right real estate agentIf you’re unsure of how to choose the right real estate agent for you, the best way to go about it is to research, research, research! Using an agent with local knowledge and solid experience is essential, so ask around and don’t be afraid to test their knowledge of the local market.

5 practical downsizing tips from the experts

10

BONUS: We’ve developed a decluttering checklist to help you downsize

when the time comes! You can find this on page 14.

5. Make your new place feel like homeWhen you move to a new home, you want to feel comfortable and cosy as soon as possible. Adding your own personal touches will make you feel at home almost immediately, and the move can be a great opportunity to try out a new style.

4. Add value by preparing your home for saleIf your home has been well prepared before being put up for sale, it stands a much higher chance of selling quickly and may help it achieve a higher sale price. Try painting any surfaces that need freshening up, cleaning or replacing stained flooring and freshening up fixtures or fittings.

11

How would you prefer to spend your days?

Chore swapper

How much time and worry are you dedicating to your house? Whether it’s keeping up with routine chores or stressing about your safety, it can be easy for the family home to become a source of concern.

Now, imagine you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Someone is always there to look after the garden and keep your home in top condition. You’ve got a smaller space to keep tidy, and you and your family have the peace of mind that you are safe and secure.

What would you rather be doing?Match the chores you’d like to let go of with the activities you could be doing instead!

FUTURE

Less worrying

Peace of mind

Tea or coffee with friends

Seeing a movie

Taking a holiday

Relaxing with a good book

Volunteering

Dinner with the family

Exploring local attractions

Check out the shops

Take up a new hobby

NOW

Mowing the lawn

Taking the bins out

Weeding the garden

General upkeep

Replacing faulty appliances

Worrying about security

Organising tradespeople

Changing lightbulbs

12

$Village comparison

13

When it comes to retirement communities, there are a range of different financial models and contract types. If you’re reviewing several villages, it can be hard to know whether you’re comparing apples with apples.

Our village comparison table has been designed to help you compare different villages and the different components of their contracts on one simple page.

VILLAGE 1 VILLAGE 2 VILLAGE 3

VILLAGE NAME

What type of community is it? (Retirement village, manufactured home park, aged care)

How many units/apartments?

Entry price range

Do you need to pay Stamp Duty?

Does it operate under a deferred payment model?

What is the maximum deferred payment percentage?

Over how many years does the deferred payment accrue?

Is the deferred payment calculated on entry price or resale price?

Do residents share in any capital gain?

What are the weekly recurrent fees?

Are they fixed? If not, how much have they increased in the past 12 months?

If you enter the village, can you transfer to a different living option with ease?

Does the operator allow you to transfer to another village they operate if your circumstances change?

What reinstatement/refurbishment or sales & marketing fees do I have to pay upon exit?

Decluttering checklistWhether you’re moving to a retirement village, downsizing to a smaller place or simply having a clean out, here are our top tips to help you along.

MAKE A PLANBefore you get started, decide how you want to tackle the project. Room by room or category by category? Once you’ve decided, write a list – it will keep you accountable and you can cross things off as you go.

DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH UNWANTED ITEMSRather than throwing your items in the bin, group them into different piles to sell, donate or recycle.

SEE IF FAMILY OR FRIENDS ARE INTERESTEDOnce you’ve decided what you want to keep and what you need to dispose of, it’s a good idea to check whether your family or friends would like anything. You never know – they may have had their eye on something for years!

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETRather than fishing through your cupboards and deciding what to eliminate, take everything out and then physically put back the clothes you still wear or love. Choosing to keep rather than to let go will result in clinging to fewer things.

CUT DOWN ON ORNAMENTS AND TRINKETSOrnaments seem small, but you may be surprised by how many you really have. Try keeping a small handful–chances are, your new home won’t need as many little touches and you’ll save a lot of time on dusting!

TAKE PHOTOSTake photographs or video of things that can’t go to a new home. It will preserve the memory of your belongings without taking up space, and you’ll be able to revisit them whenever you feel like it.

SCAN YOUR DOCUMENTS Paperwork can add up over the years, but you can save space by keeping an electronic record of your documents. If you need to keep any originals, like birth or wedding certificates, store them safely in a sealed container.

TAKE THE FIRST STEPGetting started can be the hardest part, but begin with items you aren’t emotionally invested in, like paperwork, kitchen utensils and linen, and work your way up to more sentimental things like photos and keepsakes.

KNOW HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO LOSEIf you’re moving house, you probably have a good idea of the space available, which will help you figure out how much you can keep. If you’re simply decluttering, try setting yourself a goal to fill a certain number of boxes.

14

or

QUEENSLAND

Carlyle Gardens, Bargara

Cleveland Manor, the Redlands

Drayton Villas, Toowoomba

Noyea Riverside, Mt Warren Park

Wellington Manor, the Redlands

NEW SOUTH WALES

Belrose Country Club, Sydney

Boambee Gardens, Coffs Harbour

Bramblewood, Sydney

Forresters Beach, Central Coast

Glengara, Central Coast

Murray Gardens, Albury

Newling Gardens, Armidale

Queens Park, Sydney

Riverina Gums, Wagga Wagga

Tarragal Glen, Central Coast

Wood Glen, Central Coast

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Bartonvale Gardens, Inner North Adelaide

Glengowrie, South-West Adelaide

Harwin, Northern Adelaide

Lincoln Grove, Port Lincoln

Magill, Eastern Adelaide

Scarborough Mews, South-West Adelaide

Spring Grove, Inner North-East Adelaide

Tea Tree Gardens, North-East Adelaide

The Laurels, Adelaide Hills

Torrens Grove, Western Adelaide

Wisteria Grove, Inner North Adelaide

The final step in the Retire Ready journey is a personal tour of your local RetireAustralia village.

$Decluttering checklist

15

Phone 1300 687 738 to book a personal tour

www.retireaustralia.com.au

Phone 1300 687 738 for further information or to book a personal tour