Top tips for making retirement in Gauteng a smooth process
Category Property Advice
If you're reaching the end of your working years, you've likely got some apprehension about the upcoming changes. Or perhaps you've been retired for a few years, but you're realising that it's time to downsize and move into a retirement home that can meet your needs in your senior years. Whatever your circumstances, finding the right retirement home can be a daunting process. Following these five simple tips will go a long way towards bringing you the peace of mind that you deserve.
Be prepared in advance
Moving to a retirement home doesn't happen overnight. At least six months before you plan to move, you should start thinking about what area you'd like to retire to. Once that decision is made, it's time to start investigating the retirement homes in that area and finding one that feels right for you. Visit as many retirement villages as you can and get a feel for the ambience and the amenities on offer. Photos and brochures can be misleading, and it's always best to visit places in person before making your final decision.
Think about where you want to retire
There are retirement villages in just about every corner of Gauteng - all well-loved by their residents. Before you decide which one to make your home, it's important to think about what you want to have nearby. Being close to friends and family members is the deciding factor for many retirees. You might also feel strongly about staying close to your church, a favourite sporting club or an outdoor destination like a park or garden. When making this decision, you need to balance your independence with access to support - both now and as your needs evolve in the future.
Set a clear budget and consider future financial needs
Another important part of being prepared for this big move is ensuring that you're ready financially. The cost of retirement homes in Gauteng varies based on the area and what's on offer. Over and above that, the cost of frail care and assisted living at retirement homes will vary from home to home and may also be different depending on whether you're a tenant or an owner. There may also be mandatory monthly meal fees, so make sure you ask about all hidden costs before you make your final decision about where to live.
Manage the emotional transformation
Moving to a retirement home isn't just a physical change - it's a major emotional transformation. While you're saying hello to a life of ease and comfort, you're also saying goodbye to a family home where you've perhaps spent decades making happy memories. It's important to remember that moving to a retirement home will not rob you of your memories - your photographs and your memories stay in your heart long after you've left your much-loved home.
Enlist the help of a real estate professional to help you find your dream retirement home
We've saved the most important piece of advice for last. By trusting a property practitioner to help you choose your retirement home, you're taking advantage of years of experience and a broad knowledge base. There are property practitioners who specialise in retirement properties in various areas of Gauteng, and they will be able to listen to what you want your home to offer and match you with a home that will meet your needs.
The CSi Property Group has decades of experience in helping people find the right retirement home in Gauteng. Get in touch with our team and let us help you find the perfect home for your golden years.
Author: CSi Property Group