Find Your Perfect
Retirement Home
or Care Facility

Active seniors are able to live freely and independently, managing their own affairs (driving,
shopping, cooking, finances) while enjoying the community amenities, security and social benefits of
a retirement estate. Perfect for those who need minimal assistance with daily tasks

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For residents who need partial support and care with daily activities (e.g., mobility, medication,
personal care, meal services, housekeeping ) while still enjoying living on their own with the ability
to engage socially. Assistance can be provided in-home or within a facility offering different care
levels.

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For seniors with chronic health conditions or mobility challenges who require
comprehensive nursing care. Provides 24-hour medical supervision, therapy services,
and specialized care in a comfortable setting. Facilities vary in their definitions of frail care, so
detailed discussions and assessments are necessary.

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Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related
conditions. Provides secure environments, cognitive stimulation programs, and trained
staff specialising in challenges of memory-care related conditions and compassionate
support. Daily routines are highly structured, and residents receive close supervision and support.

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Moving out of a home in which you have spent a large part of your adult life and downsizing into a new environment is not easy. The transition can create enormous anxiety.

For most retirees, the decision to move is driven by life-changing events or circumstances, and often there isn’t the luxury of time to carefully weigh every option. That is why it’s advisable to explore estates and facilities early, before you are under pressure. The right choice will greatly impact your happiness, comfort, and quality of life.

Some key considerations being 

Timing of the Move
If possible, plan your move while you are still healthy and active enough to enjoy the facilities and form friendships. Many experts recommend choosing an estate that provides a full spectrum of care—independent living, home based care, assisted living, and frail care—so you can upgrade to higher levels of support if needed later.

Location
If you have family, select an estate or facility close enough for regular visits. Ideally, the facility should provide sufficient care services so that your family does not carry the full burden of responsibility.

Financial Factors
Decide whether buying or renting is better suited to your circumstances.

• If buying, consider whether a Life Right or Full Title property is preferable.
• Compare upfront costs, ongoing levies, and future potential expenses such as assisted living or frail care.
• Ask whether services relevant to you (meals, laundry, medical assistance, etc) are charged as a fixed fee or billed separately.
• Establish whether certain medical costs can be claimed from your medical aid.

Exit Clauses
Clarify whether you can terminate the agreement, under what conditions, and at what cost.

Financial Sustainability of the Estate
If a capital payment is required upfront in the case of Life Rights, examine the facility’s financials for liquidity and long-term sustainability. A financially secure estate ensures continuity of service and safety of your funds.

Regulatory Compliance
Confirm that the estate or facility complies with all relevant regulations (click here for guidelines)

Services, Amenities and Lifestyle
Consider whether the services and amenities offered—such as on site visits from medical professionals, gyms, grooming services, gardens, pools, libraries, restaurants, or social clubs—match your needs and interests. (click here for a list to consider)

Food and Dining
Review meal options, menus, and flexibility for dietary requirements. Attend a meal if possible to assess quality and atmosphere.

Staffing
Staff ratios and qualifications are critical. Observe staff interactions with residents, and ask how emergencies and routine health issues are handled.

Community and Culture
Pay attention to the residents. Do they seem happy and engaged? Can you picture yourself fitting in with the community?

A Life Right is a contract that allows you to live in a retirement estate for the remainder of your life or as long as you are able to live independently, while ownership of the unit remains with the estate. Upon death, the right reverts back to the estate, which resells the unit and pays you or your estate out the balance of what the estate owes you on your original investment and in accordance with the structure of your specific Life Right.   Estates’ Life Right structures vary substantially. Couples may also enter into a joint contract, which continues until the death of the last surviving partner.

Life Rights are governed by the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act 65 of 1988 (HDSRPA). You must be at least 50 to qualify, though many estates impose higher minimum ages.

Key Features

• The estate assumes maintenance responsibilities.
• Your funds should be professionally managed, as they should be accounted
  for as long-term liabilities in the estate’s financial records.
• Interest on your funds is for the benefit of the estate
• Estates are required to provide a transparent levy calculation and two-year
  levy estimates.
• Each estate has its own unique Life Right rules and resale structures, which
  must be reviewed carefully.

Advantages

1. Lower entry cost than full ownership.
   2. Lifetime security of tenure.
   3. No transfer duties or registration costs.
   4. Simplified estate planning.
   5. Developer/operator (estate) responsibility for upkeep.
   6. Incentive for developer/estate to maintain estate and property to ensure
   resale
   7. Reduced burden on heirs.

Disadvantages

1. No capital growth or asset appreciation.
   2. Property cannot be inherited or freely sold.
   3. Operator/ estate controls resale and pay-out terms which often takes time
   4. Early exit may involve deductions.
   5. Limited flexibility in modifying the unit.

Suitable For

• Retirees who prioritise financial predictability and security over investment
  growth.
• Those not concerned with leaving property assets to heirs.
• Individuals who prefer the operator to manage maintenance and resale.

A Life Right is a contract that allows you to live in a retirement estate for the remainder of your life, while ownership of the unit remains with the estate. Upon death, the right reverts back to the estate, which resells the unit. Couples may also enter into a joint contract, which continues until the death of the last surviving partner.

Life Rights are governed by the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act 65 of 1988 (HDSRPA). You must be at least 50 to qualify, though many estates impose higher minimum ages.

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