Moving into a retirement village is an exciting time. This is your chance to join a vibrant community that frees up your days to socialise with family and friends, rekindle your love for sports and hobbies, or simply hitch up the caravan and head for the horizon (we can taste the bubbly already!).
First things first – finding a retirement village that’s right for you. It’s a big decision with a lot to weigh up, and no doubt you’ll have your own purchase criteria. But before you rush off and sign a contract, it’s a good idea to ask the retirement villages you’re considering if they’ve made a commitment to abide by the Retirement Living Code of Conduct.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the purpose of the Retirement Living Code of Conduct, and why you’re better off purchasing from a retirement village that supports it.
What is the Retirement Living Code of Conduct?
Let’s start with how it all came about. In 2019, the retirement living industry introduced a national Retirement Living Code of Conduct, with the aim of raising the quality of retirement villages across Australia.
It works by holding operators account to the highest standards, making it easier for residents to choose a community where they can feel safe, valued, and in the best place to make the most of all retirement living has to offer.
Who signs up to the Code of Conduct?
Signing up to the Code of Conduct is a completely voluntary commitment reserved for retirement village operators (it doesn’t apply to retirement accommodation, such as residential care facilities, rental parks, and residential parks).
As signatories, retirement village operators need to:
- Pay a fee
- Complete the required paperwork
- Ensure their staff have been adequately trained
- Implement the appropriate systems, policies and procedures
- Undertake compliance checks from time to time.
Benefits of choosing a village that supports the Code
Given the time, money, and effort required, it’s easy to see how retirement villages that support the Code are willing to go above and beyond to help you get the most out of your community experience.
Here are some of the top potential benefits:
You can make decisions with confidence
The Code is designed to make the entire retirement living journey more transparent, from signing your contract, to your time living in the community, and even during the re-sale of your home. This means you can make informed decisions with confidence, knowing you’re being provided with clear, accurate and understandable information at every stage.
You know you’ll be treated right
You can judge a retirement village community by the way it treats its residents. The Code complements existing state and federal laws by offering an extra layer of protection that ensures operators follow fair marketing practices and treat residents with respect and fairness at all times.
You enjoy a stronger sense of community
Want a greater say in how the village is run? The Code encourages operators to build strong relationships with residents by actively seeking their feedback and taking it seriously. In the event of disputes, operators have effective processes in place to manage and resolve complaints, ensuring you feel heard and valued as part of a thriving, inclusive community.
You know you’re making the right move
Retirement villages adhering to the Code are more likely to strive for a higher overall standard of living, from well-kept gardens, to enhanced community facilities, and more social activities. So, whether you’re seeking a more active and social life, freedom from the responsibility of house maintenance, or access to more care services, you know you’re making the right move.
Arcadia Group – proudly committed to our communities
Creating the best environment for a positive retirement lifestyle is what attracts so many to Arcadia Group. That’s why we’ve chosen to support the Retirement Living Code of Conduct across all our retirement communities.
Here’s why:
- It reinforces our impeccable standards
We’ve always prided ourselves on providing a safe environment, with great home design for independent living, high quality facilities, great village activities and easy access to medical services when you need them. Supporting the Code will continue to ensure we live up to our promise every day. - It holds our staff to the highest standards
Our people are what makes Arcadia Group retirement village so special – and we’re fully invested in making your community experience the best it can be. On January 1, 2020, we appointed a Code Compliance Officer to train our staff to fully adhere to the Code’s high standards. - We’re committed to continuous improvement
For us this isn’t about ticking a box. We live and breathe the standards we set every day, always looking for ways to continually enhance our services and maintain the highest standards, today, tomorrow, and long into the future.
By choosing an Arcadia Group retirement village, you can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that we put your rights first and do everything possible to make your move into a retirement living community a vibrant and rewarding experience.
Want to learn more? You can download a free copy of the Retirement Living Code of Conduct by clicking here.