Retirement from work is no longer retirement from life. In fact, it’s the opposite - a ‘second life’ where growth, learning and discovery become more important, not less. People can enjoy the retirement village lifestyle whether they are 65 or 90 years of age.
Retirement villages offer access to facilities and services that lead to improved health outcomes and greater social interaction than would be possible in a general residential setting. People who take responsibility for their own wellness future and get supportive home care, live longer and avoid hospital and aged care homes. Does this sound like retirement villages? Research shows retirement village residents live five years longer than the average Kiwi and they are far less likely to go into residential aged care. ‘Assisted living’ is the increasingly popular label for retirement villages supporting frail residents in their own home. It has a big future. But its success depends on the quality of Village Managers. The RVRANZ protects the rights of retirement village residents in New Zealand
The focus is on the Retirement Villages Act 2003 and the Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008. The Act defines the rights of retirement village residents when they commit to a Occupation Right Agreement with the owner of the retirement village, in which they purchase a licence to occupy a villa, cottage, or apartment. It’s important that RVRANZ spokespeople have a genuine mandate to speak on behalf of the resident body, rather than pursuing issues of importance to an individual. RVRANZ is not a static environment. The pace of change is rapid and it’s increasing. If we are to remain relevant we need to keep up, we need to be in a position to meet change and take the opportunities that change presents. We must continue to lift our gaze and build on progress. Existing MembersStakeholder Forum 2019
The annual Retirement Village Stakeholder Forum was held in Christchurch on Tuesday 26 November. This is hosted by The Retirement Commission section of CFFC and as the title suggests, it was attended by approximately 100 people, representing all sections of the industry.
The meeting was addressed by Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister responsible for RV’s, who said "CFFC is doing a great job of monitoring the effects of this legislation, and it appears there are still issues with some intending residents not understanding the implications of moving into a village. We need to make sure the legislation is still fit for purpose. In the meantime, my officials are working with CFFC on possible variations to the Code of Practice to ensure residents and intending residents are fully informed" The RVRANZ presentation shared a legal view that Code of Practice interpretation defeats key purposes of the Retirement Villages Act 2003. The CEO of Consumer, Sue Chetwin, highlighted how some village contract clauses could be deemed unfair, and the need for operators to take consumer law into account when drafting contracts for intending residents. Potential Retirement Village ResidentsInformation for intending residents and their families from RVRANZ and CFFC is now available here: Potential Residents
Visit the CFFC website: https://www.cffc.org.nz/retirement-villages/resources/
Some retirement village operators offer a broadband connection plan specifically negotiated for their village residents. How do you know if this is the best plan for you? The answer depends on whether you know how much broadband you really need and how fast it needs to be to suit your needs. There may be better options for you arranging your own connection, instead of going with the operator’s plan.
Please Click Here Moving from Retirement Village Unit to Rest Home CareBuying into a retirement village and later transferring into a rest home can pose financial fishhooks which buyers should get full disclosure about, warns the watchdog on retirement villages.
"Buyers should get this information including terms of transfer for short and long-term rest home care before buying an independent unit in a retirement village", Troy Churton, national manager retirement villages, for the Commission for Financial Capability, said. For the latest CFFC monitoring report on the Provision of Residential Care and Occupation Right Agreements by Retirement Village Operators please see here Retirement Commissioner Appointed
NZ on Air chief executive Jane Wrightson has been appointed Retirement Commissioner. She has been appointed for a three-year term, beginning on February 10.
Peter Cordtz has been Acting Retirement Commissioner since the end of June. He will continue in this role until February next year "Jane has strong leadership, management and governance skills which will help champion improved financial capability for all New Zealanders and provide advice on retirement income policy issues," Commerce Minister Kris Faafoi said, announcing the appointment. Check out the Eligibility Guide
Not sure what help you might be eligible for?
Then check out the online eligibility guide from the Ministry of Social Development. The guide is very user-friendly and will work on any computer or mobile device. It does not keep any of the information you enter. Need extra help? Some people may be eligible for extra help with their NZ Super, like the Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance or Temporary Additional Support. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can contact the Seniors line on 0800 552 002. For more information or to access the guide go to http://check.msd.govt.nz 
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Contact us if you would like to talk about any matter concerningWe are interested in hearing your views.
Click here to open the contact form for sending your message. Or by email
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Cheaper Doctors Visits Financial Abuse Advice New Residential Care Rates Future Care and Assistance Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) Travelling Overseas Lending Money to Family Elder Abuse Click here for Region details
New Management The National Executive has entered into an agreement with Nigel Matthews to provide part-time management of the Association.
For further details, please see here Subscriptions Subscriptions for the 2019/2020 year have been set at $10.00 per person and $15.00 per couple Residents Associations
Village residents are encouraged to form a local village association if you have not done so. To assist with this, please find a Model Constitution for you to adapt and adopt
Community Service Cards
If your SuperGold card has "CSC" on the back you can use it for health services as well as SuperGold discounts. You can get lower cost visits to your general practice for health, injury, and more. If you don't have a Community Services Card, it's worth checking if you can get one. You can find out more through the Work and Income website 
Special ThanksAudika is proud to be sponsoring the RVRANZ.
Audika is a leading hearing healthcare provider, committed to providing clinical excellence and superior customer service to New Zealanders. If you’re concerned about your hearing health, call your local Audika clinic to make an appointment for your free hearing check.* Audika are also thrilled to offer your retirement village residents committee, an opportunity to organise a hearing event, and be rewarded a $250 donation to go towards your next resident event. Some terms and conditions apply. Call 0800 667 506 or email eamg@hearinglife.co.nz to register your interest. You’ll then receive more info. * Free hearing check/trial available to people 18yrs or over, excludes GP/ENT referrals. Audika New Zealand Limited Auckland. |
