When thinking about retirement living options, it’s not always easy to decide what is the right choice for you and your family. With so many options to consider, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the key questions to ask.

The following information aims to arm you with the right questions to ask and key themes to look out for when considering a retirement village. It will help you to choose the best living option for you and your family.

Having a wander around the village is the best way to obtain a true appreciation of what village life will be like. Take in the sights and sounds and observe the general atmosphere. Ask yourself if you could see yourself living there and whether or not you ‘click’ with the people you meet during your visit. Often decisions come down to whether you get a good feeling about the options you are considering.

Talk to residents and staff – this is the best way to obtain a genuine account of what life is like in the village. No-one can give a better account of what life at a particular retirement village is like than the people who already call it home.

Moving into a retirement village often means that you will be downsizing. The beauty of this is you will be simplifying your life, creating more time to enjoy the things you love. 

Our independent and assisted-living residents live in spaces designed to inspire, indulge, and entertain. Assisted living in a serviced apartment offers the benefits of independent living with added support to make life easier, including housekeeping and a delicious daily chef-prepared meal.

Studies show that coming together for a meal promotes a feeling of connection, which in turn promotes well-being and increases nutritional intake.

Trying before you buy is an absolute must and when it comes to food, the proof is literally in the pudding! All Ryman villages hold popular monthly fine dining events. These elevated dining experiences are wonderful occasions. Reach out to a village manager or sales advisor to find out how you can secure a seat at a table and get a taste for what Ryman living is all about.

At Ryman, assisted-living and care residents receive meals as part of their package. All assisted-living apartments include kitchenettes so residents can still prepare basic meals while life is made easier with the inclusion of a daily chef-prepared meal too.

One of the benefits of moving into a retirement village is making the most of the activities and social aspects of village life, so when you visit a village, it’s worth checking out what is on offer. Village events and activities can not only keep you busy and active, but they can be a great way to meet likeminded people who also live at your retirement village.

At Ryman you can enhance your wellbeing with our Triple A fitness programme, gym, and a social calendar of activities, events, and trips to choose from. Popular events at Ryman villages include weekly complimentary happy hour events for independent and assisted living residents, monthly fine dining and exclusive events involving Ryman Australia’s partners including the Hawthorn Hawks Football Club and Melba Opera Trust.

Access to booking village amenities, events and outings is at the fingertips of Ryman residents thanks to the myRyman Resident App. The multi-award-winning app was designed specifically for Ryman residents and features a personalised calendar and the ability to book places for activities and events meaning residents never miss an opportunity to participate in something that interests them.

Some residents like to organise their own hobby groups when they meet people within the village who share their interests. The myRyman Resident App enables residents to book village amenities including worship rooms and the cinema so friends of village residents can attend events onsite.

This is where you will discover that not all retirement villages are made the same. It’s a good idea to shop around, to compare what different providers have to offer. That way you can relax knowing you’ve made the right decision for yourself and your family. 

To retire with confidence, you need financial certainty. At Ryman, we’re transparent about our costs, offering options to fit your ideal retirement lifestyle. No matter which option you choose, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying and what you’ll receive in return. 

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a retirement village. We’re here to answer any questions, and to help you to plan for your best years yet.

We also encourage you to seek independent advice and chat with both experts and friends and family before making your retirement living decision.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has a handy page which covers many of these points. Click here to view.