Choosing a Retirement Village that is right for you

If you are approaching retirement or moving through your retirement years, you may be considering moving into a retirement village.

Retirees say there are many benefits that come from living in a retirement village including being part of a supportive community environment, building new friendships with like-minded people, and having amenities and services at your fingertips that enhance your health and quality of life.

Your retirement years offer a golden opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that places well-being, joy, purpose, and connection at the heart of everything you do. If you are considering whether a retirement village lifestyle might be right for you, it’s important to choose a village that aligns with your values, purpose, and aspirations.

Here are some factors you should consider when you are choosing a village:

Location

The location of the retirement village is really important. Consider the proximity of your family and friends, healthcare facilities, transport links, shopping centres, supermarkets, and recreational activities. A good location will ensure ease of travel, and will help you to remain connected with your social circle outside of the village.

Accommodation

Different villages offer different levels of care and support. Retirees who are living full and independent lives may choose to live in a spacious villa or modern apartment and enjoy the same level of privacy and independence they enjoyed in their own home.

Some villages offer the full spectrum of aged care living including high level care facilities with around-the-clock rest home or hospital level care, and specialist memory facilities to support retirees living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

You may not need this level of care now, but it’s important to consider if a village can accommodate your changing health and mobility needs, and provide transitional support if you move from independent living to higher level care.

Amenities and Social Life

The social and recreational environment of a village influences your health and well-being so it’s important to choose a village with a strong community spirit and amenities that resonate with your interests and values.

These may include interest groups, gardening clubs, social groups, fitness classes, gym and pool facilities, crafting, and hobby groups, and residents who share common interests like dance, walking, vintage cars, wine, drama, cycling, bowls, or golf.

Consider the social hub of the village and if it can accommodate you and your visiting friends and family. Is there a licensed restaurant on site, and are there discounts or benefits for residents? These are all factors you should consider before choosing the right village for you.

Legal, Financial, and Contractual Responsibilities

Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the legal, financial, and contractual obligations of buying a home in a retirement village under an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).

A village’s sales team and your legal advisor can provide you with a thorough overview of this. You should also factor in moving in costs, the weekly village fee which covers a number of costs including village maintenance, window-cleaning, gardening, staff salaries, rates, insurance, and water. There will also be a moving out fee which can differ between villages.

Choosing a retirement village is a big decision and one that requires careful consideration. Sometimes it may feel overwhelming, but by following a step-by-step guide, it can become a fun and enlightening process. Take the time to visit multiple villages, ask questions, seek advice from professionals and find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Everyone wants something different from their retirement years, but with a bit of time and research, you can find your place of belonging and live your best life in your golden years.

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Resort-style Retirement Living

Are you seeking a resort-style retirement? Spend your golden years in a brand new, modern, light-filled apartment surrounded by world-class amenities, and within easy reach of the Hibiscus Coast’s beautiful east coast beaches. The final touches have just been put on the magnificent Rimu apartments at The Botanic Silverdale and they’re open now and available to view. Silverdale Retirement Apartments Choose between a one, two, or three bedroom apartment, or convert a bedroom into a TV snug, a study, a crafting room, or a man-cave. The space is yours to do what you choose. Every apartment at The Botanic Silverdale has floor to ceiling glass which floods the living areas with light. The walk-through wardrobes open up to fully tiled bathrooms, and the large balconies or patios provide easy access to The Botanic’s many pathways and world-class amenities. Every apartment is generous and private and enjoys views across The Botanic’s park-like landscaping, into the village, or further afield into the surrounding Silverdale area. Our well-appointed kitchens are perfect for entertaining and will suit retirees who like to travel and are seeking a ‘lock-up and leave’ lifestyle, while the underfloor parking keeps your car clean, dry and safe, irrespective of whether you are at home or travelling. Check out the latest drone footage of the Rimu Apartments. Benefits of Retirement Villages The beauty of retirement village life is that all the maintenance is taken care of. You are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, and you don’t need to lift a finger. The team at The Botanic believe in the power of nature to support and influence our residents’ wellbeing and quality of life. At the same time, we acknowledge that each and every one of our residents is unique and diverse. It is with this understanding that we have developed an intimate but open plan village, and have invested in an impressive range of world-class amenities. The end result is a modern retirement village that is rich in connection and community, supporting like-minded residents to live the retirement they choose in a vibrant, nature-rich environment. The Botanic really is the very best in class in modern retirement living, offering residents lifestyle, wellness, and beautifully designed spaces, so they can live well, naturally, in their golden years. Read more about Choosing a Retirement Village that is right for you. World Class Amenities The Botanic supports residents to live lives full of purpose, wellness, connection and joy. Our amenities include state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a 20m swimming pool, tranquil walking pathways, a relaxing library, a bowling green, Community Gardens and The Clubhouse Café. More amenities, including a golf simulator, are in development. Moving and staying connected to nature helps us to retain strength and stamina, revitalise our souls, and support our health and wellbeing. And all of this is available on your doorstep at The Botanic. The Botanic’s wellness centre includes a large indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and a sizeable, fully equipped gymnasium. Yoga classes and Aquacise are also hosted in this area. The Poolhouse and gymnasium look out across the garden to the Bowling Green, providing a nature-rich vista for our fitness-focused residents. In the centre of the village is The Community Garden which has become a resident-led project encompassing two 26m2 ‘Winter Gardenz’ glasshouses, a native timber pergola, 24 individual planter boxes, and an edible orchard of fruit trees and vines including persimmon, citrus, feijoa, fig, grape, berries, stone fruits, apple, and avocado. Residents have established a committee, and the Community Garden is now wholly run by residents, for residents. The Clubhouse Cafe The Clubhouse Cafe is the central hub for social gatherings at The Botanic and is popular with residents and the wider Silverdale community. It is open every day serving barista coffee, a la carte offerings and delicious fresh cabinet food to eat in or takeaway. The award-winning architecturally-designed building has a large outdoor decking area, professional kitchen facilities, and a fully stocked bar. Our professional Café team host private functions for Residents, and can accommodate community and business events, as well as private functions. Book your table at The Clubhouse Café today. The Botanic Accommodation Options The Botanic Silverdale offers the very best in aged-care living with modern apartments and luxury villas designed for active retirees living independent and purposeful lives. All of our homes have designer kitchens and walk-through wardrobes, and many have elegant high ceilings, floor to ceiling glass, views across the village or Silverdale, and sizeable courtyards, decks or patios. Every space at The Botanic is designed to provide easy access to our world-class amenities, garden pathways, and our vibrant and connected community. Once completed, the eight-hectare Silverdale site will have 84 villas and 354 apartments for independent living residents. An aged care home, and specialist memory care facilities will eventually complete the full suite of retirement care options. Care Facilities The Botanic Silverdale will soon begin development on our full continuum of care offering to ensure our village can meet the needs of every resident – from independent living to specialised residential aged care. All of our villas and apartments enable independent living through to high level home care support, all overseen by carefully chosen senior practitioners. The Botanic Silverdale is proudly pet-friendly Pets provide companionship and emotional support, and encourage owners to stay fit and mobile. Our dogs and cats are also natural icebreakers, and they help our residents to connect with one another, and foster a sense of community within our village. The Botanic is also the first retirement village in New Zealand with a therapy dog. Riley is trained to bring support and connection to our residents, whatever their personal circumstances. Hooray for our pets! Life is better with our furry friends. Luxury Retirement Homes NZ The end result is a modern retirement village that is rich in connection and community, supporting like-minded residents to live the retirement they choose in a vibrant, nature-rich environment. The Botanic Silverdale really is the very best in class in modern retirement living, offering residents lifestyle, wellness, and beautifully designed spaces, so they can live well, naturally, in their golden years. If you’re interested in learning more about the Rimu apartments or our villa homes, get in touch with Michelle or Jan on 0508 268 264 or pop along to our Show Home from Monday to Saturday between 11am-3pm. You can also get in touch via our Contact page. Rimu Apartments Tour – 17 December Be one of the first to see the brand-new Rimu apartments and make an afternoon of it because the popular Clubhouse Café will be open throughout the day for coffee, drinks, and meals. Plus, register for our Open Day and be in to win a $100 voucher at The Clubhouse Café! Terms and conditions apply. Come along to The Botanic Silverdale on December 17th, 12.30-3.30pm, and get a first look at our newly-completed Rimu Apartments. Or, enter on the day in our Show Home, and you could dine out on us! Join us at 17 Small Road, Silverdale with parking available on Evergreen Drive.

Tour the new Rimu Apartments

Tuesday 17 December, 12.30-3.30pm57 Evergreen Drive, The Botanic Silverdale Be one of the first to see the brand-new Rimu apartments and make an afternoon of it because the popular Clubhouse Café will be open throughout the day for coffee, drinks, and meals. Every apartment has floor to ceiling glass and is flooded with light, boasts a walk-through wardrobe, a large balcony or patio, and includes underground parking. You can secure a one, two, or three bedroom apartments with a fully refundable $5k deposit. Please join us on Tuesday 17th December, between 12.30pm-3.30pm for a tour of the iconic Rimu apartments as our village celebrates reaching this wonderful construction milestone. Look back on this project Drone videos https://vimeo.com/950961224 November 2023 https://vimeo.com/966176798 June 2024 https://vimeo.com/950969841 April 2024 https://vimeo.com/1025959479 November 2024 News and updates Rimu Apartments construction milestone A roof tent has been fitted on the second apartment building at The Botanic Silverdale marking a significant milestone in the village's development... Read more Preparing for every eventuality at The Botanic Silverdale To anyone not in the know, it looked like a real-life medical emergency was unfolding at The Botanic Silverdale, but it was an important training... Read more Our Rimu Apartment building is underway Construction has begun on the second apartment building at The Botanic Silverdale with 32 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments... Read more

Meet The Residents – Mary and Barry

Where did you move from? Kensington Park. What do you love most about The Botanic? Barry: I can’t drive because of health reasons but I am a traveller, and I have seen so much of Auckland by taking the bus which is located at the front gate of our village.Mary: I love so much about life here and I really like that residents design and develop all the group activities. What are you enjoying about retired life?Mary: I’ve used the freedom of my retirement years to become a competent cellist again which is marvelous. What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? Barry: There’s a lot of joy in listening to other people’s life stories. You get to know so many people and they have such interesting life experiences. At my age, it has provided an opportunity for growth because I’m learning so much from others. How do you live a life filled with purpose?Mary: I’ve always got a purpose. It could be developing a new skill or running a business. I get out of bed early ready to ‘punch a hole in the morning’. What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?Barry: The beaches, the warm swimming water, and some of the great cafes. How would you describe the community at The Botanic?Mary: Lively! Everyone who lives here has a genuinely strong desire to see this place succeed.Barry: At the recent Open Weekend, so many residents were here showing visitors around. It is rare and it is wonderful. What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?Mary: Find a place that gladdens your heart, and go early. The Botanic is where so many people are starting new lives and so you get an opportunity to make new friendships. That is a gift. How has the ‘no maintenance’ lifestyle changed your life?Barry: I love it. One of the huge advantages is that I can stop and admire what the landscapers have done, and be grateful for all the time they have put into planning and developing our Community Garden. What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?Barry: I say this without an ounce of shame, it is the beer-battered Snapper. I think I’ve had it once a week for the last 8 months.Mary: My favourite is probably the curry, and the salads are always interesting too. What is a great quote to live by? Barry: If you don’t do it now, when will you do it?Mary: Just do it.