The feeling that it’s time to move into a retirement home brings with it an exciting time, but also some big decisions. Chances are that you want this to be the last move you make, and that can add some pressure to the equation. The CSi Property Group has spent many years helping people find retirement homes in Gauteng, and we’ve put together a list of six questions to ask yourself to ensure that you’re making a sound decision.
1. Does the retirement village you’re considering moving to cater for various needs?
Your needs when you move into your retirement home may well be very different from the needs you’ll have later in life. For the immediate future, your priorities are likely to include continued independence, opportunities to socialise and safe spaces to exercise. It’s also important to remember that as you get older, you may need some assistance with day-to-day living, as well as medical care. Part of thorough planning is finding a home that meets your current and future needs to avoid the need for another move.
2. What (or who) would you like to live near?
There are retirement villages in many areas of Gauteng and it’s important to stay close to the people and places that mean the most to you. For example, if you’ve lived in Sandton most of your adult life, a retirement village in Douglasdale may be better suited to your needs than one in Centurion or Krugersdorp. Make sure that you’ll be near the activities that mean a lot to you – because this is what will make your retirement village feel like home. If you’re a keen golfer, for example, you’ll want to make sure that there’s a course nearby that you enjoy. Another important factor to consider is proximity to friends, children, grandchildren and other family members.
3. What lifestyle features and social opportunities would I like to have access to?
Many of Gauteng’s retirement villages offer regular social gatherings, from bridge games and bingo nights to social tennis and bowls. Before you make a final decision and buy or rent your property, take a look at the social and lifestyle features on offer and make sure that they will meet your needs. Walking and jogging trails are a popular feature of some estates and if keeping fit is a priority for you, it will be worth finding a home that offers this.
4. Will I have easy access to shops, medical facilities and other amenities?
When you move into your retirement home, it’s likely that you’ll still have a car and mobility won’t be a consideration at all. However, it’s worth thinking ahead and making sure that the retirement village you’re considering buying or renting in offers a transportation service. Being close to shopping centres, hospitals, doctor’s rooms and other amenities is an advantage at every stage of your retirement.
5. Are housekeeping and laundry facilities on offer?
For many people, giving up chores like housekeeping, cooking and laundry is one of the biggest perks of retirement. As you explore the array of retirement villages in Gauteng, make sure to check what services are on offer and make a mental list of the chores that you’ll get to say goodbye to. You’ll find that most retirement villages offer meals in a central dining room, while some may offer in-room service as well. Cleaning and maintenance of communal areas will definitely be taken care of for you, while your choice of property type (room, apartment or house) may determine whether or not you’ll need to do your own cleaning inside.
6. What safety and security measures are in place?
Safety is possibly the most important factor to consider when choosing your Gauteng retirement idyll. Ensure that features like electric fencing, security booms and roaming guards are on offer to ensure your safety. Biometric access is another feature now being used by many retirement villages to create safe spaces.
Choosing a retirement home doesn’t have to be a daunting process. The CSi Property Group has decades of experience in helping retirees find their ideal home for sale or to rent in Gauteng. Get in touch for more information.
