Choosing a Retirement Village

Retirement villages – or lifestyle estates, as they are now being called – are popping up like (Barberton) daisies throughout South Africa, all with promises of enjoying the best years of your life in surroundings brimming with all the bells and whistles. But just what is a lifestyle estate supposed to have? Is there a benchmark? Craig Scott, developer of The Village at Langebaan Country Estate, says he asked himself these very questions during the planning and designing phase of the development.

What facilities should be included in a retirement village?

Typically, when embarking on the task of finding a retirement village, many people find themselves a tad disappointed at not only the limited options available but also at the disparity between the offerings at the various estates. Scott says: ‘Sure, if you are looking for something basic and inexpensive, then your expectations are not going to be too high and you will find what you are looking for, but if it is a certain lifestyle you are seeking, then the property should deliver, and especially at the prices being asked.’

Facilities and services

Over and above the basics – a house or an apartment, standard healthcare, a community centre and catering – you can and should expect more from a retirement village that markets itself as a lifestyle estate. You have saved long and hard for your retirement, so you should be able to choose the lifestyle you want. So make a shopping list, and, before committing to an estate, ensure that all the things you need or want are on offer. Here’s a selection.

Active ageing

Every opportunity should be made for you to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that keeps you active, including facilities like a fitness centre, pool, golf course, tennis court, bowling green and hiking, walking and biking, trails to keep old age at bay.

Lifestyle social

Vibrant community living and involvement are essential to the enjoyment of life – the clubhouse should be a place to entertain friends and family, watch the big match, enjoy a meal in the restaurant, arrange a game of cards, participate in a quiz night, host a tea party in the coffee shop, celebrate a special occasion or simply relax quietly with your favourite magazine or a book from the library.

Health and wellness

When it comes to patient-centred care, the clinical needs and requirements as well as the emotional needs of both patient and their family should be emphasised. This should include a managed home-based healthcare service with post-hospitalisation and discharge from rehabilitation facilities, as well as medication and personal care administration. In addition, a care centre should be established to provide primary healthcare and monthly check-ups delivered by experienced nurses and carers. And, for those who may need it, frail care must be available. This continuous care, along with a communication system and emergency call buttons in each home, will provide significant peace of mind for you, your loved ones and friends.

Security

The very latest security measures like electrified perimeter fencing, access control systems, CCTV surveillance and alarm systems, should be in place so as to provide you the opportunity to live life freely, along with the lock-up-and-go convenience to travel and explore to your heart’s content.

Services

With the ever-changing landscape of retirement and with the best interests of the residents front of mind, meticulous thought and detail should be given to the provision of facilities at a retirement village, which should include the likes of cleaning services, laundry, catering, shuttles, landscaping and garden services, frail care and maintenance services.

Investment options

Various investment options are available, with the most common being sectional title and life right. The advantages of the life right latter are great for retirees who get to enjoy all the benefits of ownership without the hassles or costs of management and maintenance, and is a little easier on the pocket. Needless to say, it is imperative that these options be investigated and carefully considered – a good idea would be to utilise the services of an attorney or financial advisor to go through the fine print so that you are properly informed, and can ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.

Scott says the benchmark for a retirement village offering should be a place where lifestyle meets secure, stylish, affordable living in a community that combines residential, recreational and top-notch healthcare facilities so that you can truly enjoy the best years of your life. The Village at Langebaan Country Estate is that place.

About The Village at Langebaan Country Estate

Currently about to commence construction, The Village, located within the beautiful Langebaan Country Estate on the Cape West Coast, is not your typical retirement village but rather a dynamic community offering all the established comforts, facilities and activities within the estate to home owners, with the addition of full frail care and assisted living facilities.

Investors will be afforded life right units, all with optional care packages. A levy stabilisation fund and the benefits of financial security and certainty will further secure your investment and peace of mind.

The Village at Langebaan Country Estate will offer secure, modern and spacious home types comprising 1- and 2-bedroom courtyard suites and 2- and 3-bedroom freestanding cottages. On completion there will be:
• 25 x 1-bedroom courtyard suites
• 55 x 2-bedroom courtyard suites
• 71 x 2-bedroom Cottages
• 172 x 3-bedroom Cottages

The Village is a secure and special place to enjoy the best years of your life, in a home you will cherish