For so many retirees, choosing the right retirement living options can be a truly exhausting experience.

Once you’ve found an option that meets your personal interests and suits your needs, what can do to make sure it really is the perfect choice? Here’s what to look at when inspecting your options.

As many retirement homes require some form of ongoing fees on top of your initial purchase or fee payment, you need to be certain about who will be paying for the community title, shares in a village, a title or strata with restriction on use or sale of the property. You may also be required to pay for additional costs such as a bond or a deposit, bills and maintenance or residents fees, so have a clear checklist of your financial specifications, expectations and concerns before signing any contracts.

Acknowledge that the role of a retirement homes is to offer the benefit of reducing worries and relieving unnecessary pressures. For example, some aspects of how the village will be run is directed by the proprietors and inevitably this means you will not have the same amount of control you once had in your own home. Make sure you understand how the village is run to avoid any confusion, including the keeping of pets and maintaining your personal living space in a way you like.

Compare potential contracts.

It’s important to be diplomatic and weigh your options up. Use the help of someone you trust to help you digest the information being given to you, and can help with the fine print in any contracts or obligations. Ask them to help you make a choice if you’re undecided about what options might suit you best.

Talk to your prospective neighbours!

The best references come from the residents and by taking a little time to investigate their experiences, you’ll get a very honest idea about what to expect. Make a list of questions to chat about and approach a few people about what they really enjoy and what they don’t. Does this match up with your expectations and interests?

The right retirement option for you should leave you feeling secure and relieve most of the external anxieties related to significant life changes. By applying some steadfast communication techniques and shopping around, you’re far more likely to feel secure when you sign your contract and move into this important stage in your life.