How do retirement villages work

Benefits of Retirement Living

Community

Retirement villages foster a strong sense of community. Residents often share similar life stages and interests, making it easier to form friendships and social connections.

Onsite amenities

These can include: a swimming pool and spa, a café, a library, a village centre and bar, a hair and beauty salon, movie theatre, gym, bowling green, and more.

Tailored care

Ryman villages offer residential aged care (both low and high care), specialist dementia care and respite care. We are an approved provider of Home Care packages.

Retirement Villages VS. Aged Care. The difference

Levels of care

Retirement villages primarily focus on independent living and may also offer support services and care. Aged care homes, on the other hand, provide higher levels of care only, including assistance with daily activities and medical services. Ryman villages offer both independent living and care.

Cost

Retirement village costs often involve purchasing a Residence and Management Contract (RMC), which grants the right to live in the unit but does not transfer ownership. Aged care homes typically charge ongoing accommodation fees, which can be subsidized by the government.

Living arrangements

Retirement villages offer a variety of accommodation types, including apartments, villas, and serviced units. Aged care homes usually provide single rooms with ensuites.

Choosing the right option

The choice between retirement living and aged care should be based on your current and anticipated future needs, personal preferences, and financial considerations. You may also transition from retirement village living to aged care if your needs change. All Ryman retirement villages have a range of aged care options onsite.

How Does a Retirement Village Work in Australia?

Wondering how retirement villages work? It varies depending on the specific village and its management. However typically it includes the following components:

Living options

You can choose from various accommodation options, including independent living units, serviced apartments, and care suites. The type of accommodation and associated costs vary.

Fees

You’ll pay an upfront fee for the right to occupy your chosen unit, which is partially refundable upon departure. They also pay ongoing service fees to cover maintenance and communal facilities.

Services

Retirement villages provide services like maintenance, gardening, and security. Some also offer optional care services, like personal care and housekeeping, tailored to your individual needs.

Legal obligations

Residents and operators enter into a legal agreement known as a Residence and Management Contract (RMC), which outlines the terms and conditions of residency. These agreements are governed by state-specific laws.

Ryman Healthcare is a leading provider of retirement living and aged care in Australia. We offer several unique advantages:

Certainty About Living Costs:

Ryman residents enjoy transparency in costs, with no hidden fees. The deferred management fee is capped, providing financial peace of mind.

Variety of Care Options:

Ryman provides a continuum of care, from independent living to specialist dementia care, ensuring residents can age in place comfortably.

Community:

Ryman promotes a vibrant community atmosphere.

Innovation:

Ryman embraces innovative technologies like eCabs for transportation and the myRyman Care app for personalized care.

LIVING OPTIONS AT RYMAN VILLAGES

Ryman offers a range of living options to suit your needs, including:

Independent living

Assisted living

Low & high care

Specialist dementia care

Respite care

Financial Commitments at Ryman Retirement Villages

Residence and Management Contracts

Residence and Management Contracts (RMC) are written agreements that give you the right to occupy a unit in a retirement village on certain terms and conditions.

It is different from regular property ownership, because you are paying for the right to live in the unit, but you do not own the unit itself.

Deferred Management Fee

The Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is your contribution to the continued maintenance and management of the village, including your unit and village amenities. The DMF also covers the cost of refurbishing and reselling your home in the village.

Often referred to as a departure fee or exit fee, the DMF is an amount that becomes payable when you permanently vacate your unit.

Your entry payment minus the DMF will be paid back to you when a new resident moves into your unit or within 6 months of you leaving, whichever comes first.

Insurance and Rates:

Building insurance, general rates and water rates, are covered by your weekly fee. You are responsible for insuring your contents and personal effects.

We want you to be confident you’ve made the right choice in selecting a Ryman village. While we’re sure you’ll love living in a Ryman village, you have 90 days* to change your mind and receive your money back.

We will repay your entry payment in full if, on the expiry of 90 days after taking up permanent residence, you are unhappy with your decision to move into your apartment or villa and wish to leave the village.

*Some conditions apply

Activities, Entertainment, and Hospitality at Ryman Villages

Triple A fitness

Ryman Triple A (Ageless, Active, Aware) is a complimentary exercise program available to all Ryman residents. It’s designed specifically for older people, and the aim is to enhance the quality of your life and overall wellbeing. We have classes and exercises to suit all fitness levels, so you can choose the ones that are right for you.

Activities and events

Ryman Engage, our complimentary activities and events program is about embracing opportunities and activities that are thoughtfully planned, age and ability appropriate, and make the most of our beautiful facilities. Residents can join in the many activities on offer, from group bus trips to exhibitions, interest groups, and Happy Hours with entertainers.

Delicious, nutritious meals

Our Delicious menu offers flavoursome meals prepared fresh on site by our village chefs. With a choice of three main courses, including a vegetarian option, the aim is to tempt all taste buds. We serve up to 120 different meals each month, plus we can cater for special dietary requirements.

How do retirement villages work in Australia

What is a Retirement Village?

Ryman is an industry leader