In this edition, we’ll be exploring the types of questions you should ask when considering the community village for you, ensuring you are able to compare the options available. Think of it as a helpful checklist – one that will ensure you find the perfect fit for you! 

Making the move and selecting a community village for you is no small task and one that requires you to do your research, seek expert advice, and ask the right questions. It’s not a decision you want to rush, so prepare yourself and use the questions below as a simple guide to compare your retirement living options. This will help you feel confident in the decision you make. 

When comparing community villages, be sure to ask providers what services are included and what additional services are available to residents. Community village living is all about convenience, meeting your retirement ideals and adapting to your changing care needs, so the service offering really does matter. Look for support that grows with you. 

Services may include in-home support which is available to all our residents across our community villages. From reducing the stress of home care maintenance to increasing convenience, as well as supporting your changing health needs, we’ve got you covered. 

*Please note service offerings depend on funding type, costing and location. 

If you missed our edition on in-home support, you can read it here.  

Another question to consider is what social services are available within the village? After all, you are about to embrace community living. 

Shaped by the village’s resident-run social committee, residents across our community villages enjoy an exciting events calendar, complete with engaging activities and outings that build the vibrant community of like-minded individuals. And this could be you at Warrigal Lake South! 

As you move into a community village, you want to feel confident that care can be tailored to you. How can this care adapt to changing needs? Is this care designed to fit around me? How does this support my lifestyle? 

Asking these questions will help you learn more about the services offered and assist as you compare your retirement options. 

One of the biggest considerations when comparing community villages is the location. What are the perks? Why here? What makes this location stand out compared to others?  

Factors like accessibility, proximity to shops, nature walks, food and recreational outlets, and access to public transport (the list goes on!) are all important factors that you should question as you explore your options. 

Life at Warrigal Lake South has been designed with this in mind. Located close to shopping and food outlets, including Stockland Shellharbour, just a stone’s throw away from the Lake Illawarra shoreline (only a 5-minute walk from the village), and nearby to beautiful beaches, Warrigal Lake South offers a vibrant retirement lifestyle perfect for both a busy or relaxed pace. Plus enjoy greater convenience at Warrigal Lake South with a public bus stop located out the front of the village – it doesn’t get much more convenient than that.  

So ask the questions upfront and know that the location you select is the right fit! 

If you’d like to find out more about the village’s location, you can read this edition here. 

One of the benefits of community village living is the day-to-day blend of independent and social living. The onsite amenities and communal areas help facilitate this, building the village community and supporting a social lifestyle that includes entertaining family and friends. 

Onsite amenities differ between villages but could include BBQ areas, a café and a community hall (available across our villages), so ask about the onsite benefits and make your decision with greater ease. 

Comparing contract arrangements and the costs of moving into a community village is a must for your checklist. What are the contract arrangements? Are there any ongoing fees? Can these fluctuate over time? What are the exit costs? Are there refurbishment costs? Will there be capital gains on exit? 

Asking questions like these will help with the comparison process, building your confidence in making the final choice.  

How does the property’s design support ageing in place? Why was this layout selected? Does the dwelling feature modern comforts like a private courtyard? How has sustainability been factored into the design? Is there sheltered parking?

Be sure to ask questions like these when comparing your retirement options, ensuring the one you select supports your desired retirement lifestyle and your health needs. It’s important to consider the future and how these may change over time, ensuring you really can age in place.

Ask about features like an undercover carport, ergonomic appliances, wider doorways, grab rails and provisioning for future adjustments if required (all featured in the design of our Warrigal Lake South villas). You can read more about them here. 

Other questions to consider include:

• What village maintenance and repairs are covered by the provider?
• As my care needs change, do I have priority access to residential care if required?
• Is this village pet friendly? Most of our Warrigal Community Villages are pet friendly on application, meaning your furry friends get to enjoy life at Warrigal too!
• What security measures are in place?

We’re getting closer to welcoming our Warrigal Lake South residents and maybe this will be you, so why not get ahead? Start the process today, ask the questions and compare your options – you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit. 

There’s a whole lot more to come… Stay tuned for future editions where we’ll be exploring more of the exciting news and project updates at Warrigal Lake South.