Frequently asked questions

Retirement Living
Choosing a retirement community is an important decision, and it's natural to have questions. We've answered some of the most common questions about retirement living at Calvary, from costs and contracts to lifestyle, support and care options. If you can't find the information you're looking for, our team is here to help.

About retirement living

Learn more about retirement living, community life and whether it's the right choice for you.

Calvary Retirement Living offers independent living units or apartments within purpose-designed communities. Our warm and welcoming communities support you to live your best independent life, while enjoying well-maintained surroundings, shared spaces and a strong sense of connection that enhances quality of life.

Calvary Retirement Living may be right for you if you’re looking to continue living independently while being part of a supportive and welcoming community. It suits individuals and couples who value connection, well-maintained surroundings and shared spaces, along with the reassurance that care services may be available nearby should their needs change over time.

Living in a retirement community can offer a more convenient and supported way of life, with well-maintained homes, opportunities for social connection, and environments designed for comfort and ease of living. Many people are drawn to the sense of safety, the chance to build friendships and take part in activities if they wish, and the reassurance that flexible care options may be available should their needs change over time, sometimes within the same community.

Retirement living is designed for people who are able to live independently in their own home while enjoying the benefits of a community setting and lower-maintenance life. Residential aged care, by contrast, provides 24-hour personal and clinical care for people who require ongoing assistance.

It’s a good idea to get on the waiting list for your preferred retirement community well before you’re ready to move. Wait times can vary based on things like current vacancies and the position of others on the list.
There’s no cost to join the waiting list, and you don’t need a health assessment to get started. If your needs change later on, you can arrange in-home care through Calvary Home Care to help you stay in your unit for as long as possible.

Yes, a tour is the ideal way to preview and get a first-hand insight into life at your chosen Calvary Retirement location.
You can book a tour through our online Book a Tour form, this can be accessed here or via our individual Retirement Living pages where you can learn more about your preferred location/s. Alternatively, you can call our Calvary Assist team directly on 1800 52 72 72 to arrange a tour or answer questions about Calvary Retirement Living or your chosen location.

Home and living options

Explore unit types, pet policies, home modifications and what's included in your new home.

Calvary Retirement Living communities offer a range of independent living units or apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom options, as well as shared living options at some locations. Home styles, layouts and availability vary from community to community.

Pets may be welcome at Calvary Retirement Living communities, subject to approval. Pet guidelines vary by community and are in place to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for all residents. We encourage you to speak with your village manager to confirm what is permitted at your preferred location.

Residents may make alterations to the interior or exterior of their home, provided the changes are reasonable and comply with Calvary’s policies and the requirements of the retirement community.
In most cases, Calvary’s prior consent is required before any work can begin. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents, as well as to protect the appearance, quality and integrity of the community. Any renovations involving electricity, gas, plumbing, building structure, or changes to the external appearance of the home must be approved by community management in advance.
All work must be completed by suitably qualified and registered tradespeople who hold the appropriate licences and insurances. For more information or to seek approval, residents are encouraged to contact their Calvary community management team.

Services, amenities and lifestyle

Discover the facilities, services and social opportunities available within our communities.

Calvary retirement communities are designed to support your wellbeing and help you enjoy a fulfilling and active retirement.
Each community is unique, but many offer a range of wellness initiatives, amenities and shared facilities to support health, connection and everyday convenience. Depending on the location, facilities may include hair and beauty services, social and lounge areas, billiards rooms, and community spaces.
Communities are thoughtfully designed so that facilities are easy to reach from residential areas. Health, wellbeing and connection are an important part of life at Calvary. Many communities offer group activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, gentle movement classes, walking groups, social clubs, sporting activities and organised outings.
To learn more about the facilities and activities available at a specific Calvary retirement community, please contact the Sales Manager at your village of interest.

Calvary has partnered with leading emergency call system providers to offer modern in-home emergency call systems in selected retirement communities. Availability and specific features may vary by location, so residents are encouraged to check with their individual Calvary community for details.
These systems are designed for more than emergency situations. They provide residents with immediate access to trained operators who can offer reassurance, help talk through an issue, or arrange appropriate assistance when needed. Your Sales Manager can provide further information about availability, features and fees.

Retirement living at Calvary offers opportunities for social connection and community life. Activities vary from community to community and are shaped by the interests of the people who live there, but almost always include much-loved weekly happy hours. Participation is always optional, and residents are free to be as involved as they choose.

Yes. Retirement living is your home, and visitors are welcome. Friends and family can visit and stay overnight. For longer stays, you may be asked to notify your village manager, as extended visits are usually subject to community guidelines.

Care and support

Find out about home care, aged care and other supports available if your needs change.

Some Calvary retirement living communities are co-located with residential aged care services, providing the reassurance of care nearby if needs change over time. All communities also have access to home care services, which can be arranged separately and are not included as part of retirement living. The availability of services and pathways to care vary by location and individual circumstances.

Yes. Calvary Home Care services may be available at or through Calvary Retirement Villages, depending on the location. Calvary has a strong background in health, aged care and community services, and in many communities residents can access home care and support services to help them remain independent in their own home.
These services may include assistance with daily living, personal care, domestic support and wellbeing services, delivered either on-site or through approved providers. Availability and service options vary by village. To find out what home care services are available at a specific Calvary Retirement Village, please contact your Village Manager or Sales Manager for more information.

Calvary Health Care Retirement Villages maintain strong connections with nearby aged care and health services through the broader Calvary Health Care network. This includes access to residential aged care, home care, and allied health services, supporting continuity of care and providing residents with reassurance as their needs change over time. 14 of our 17 Retirement Villages are co-located with a Calvary Aged Care Service.

At Calvary, we offer a range of care and living options, including retirement living, home care, residential aged care and specialist dementia care. Many of our communities bring these services together on one site or nearby. This can make it easier for couples or families with different care needs to remain close and connected, even if one person requires a higher level of support. The options available vary by location and individual circumstances.

Contracts, costs and legal

Understand fees, contracts, ownership arrangements and other important information before you move in.

Retirement living communities in Australia are generally designed for older adults, often people aged 55 years and over. Eligibility requirements can vary between communities and by state. If you’re considering Calvary Retirement Living, our team can help you understand the eligibility requirements for your preferred community.

All Calvary retirement communities operate in accordance with the relevant Retirement Villages Act in the state or territory where the community is located. This legislation is designed to protect residents’ rights and interests at every stage of retirement living, from entering a village, to living there, and when leaving.
The Retirement Villages Act sets out important protections around matters such as contracts, fees, services, dispute resolution and resident wellbeing. If you would like a copy of the Retirement Villages Act that applies to your Calvary community, you can contact the appropriate state or territory government body, or get in touch with Calvary and we will be happy to assist.

Yes, Calvary offers rental options at selected retirement community locations. These rental contracts provide a flexible alternative for those who prefer to rent rather than purchase a right to reside. At other Calvary communities, residents may enter into a long-term arrangement that provides a secure right to reside in their chosen unit or apartment. The type of contract available can vary by location. To find out whether rental contracts are available at a specific Calvary retirement community, please contact our team and we will be happy to provide more information.

When you move into a Calvary Retirement Village, Calvary typically owns the land and, in many cases, the homes within the community. Residents are usually granted a right to reside in their chosen home through a lease or licence agreement, rather than owning the property outright.
In some Calvary communities, different ownership or tenure options may be available, such as leasehold or other approved arrangements. These options can vary from village to village. To understand the specific ownership or contract options available at the Calvary Retirement Village you are considering, we recommend speaking with the Sales Manager who can provide clear and detailed information.

At Calvary retirement communities, exit fees most commonly refer to the Deferred Management Fee (DMF). A contract that includes a DMF allows the management fee to be deferred until after you leave the community.
This can make purchasing a retirement home more affordable upfront, with part of the cost of village living paid at a later time. The amount of the Deferred Management Fee (or exit fee) depends on several factors, including the price of the home, the length of time you live in the community, and whether your contract includes sharing in any capital gains.
Calvary offers a range of contract options, which may vary by location and can include alternatives to traditional DMF arrangements. To learn more about the contracts available at a specific Calvary retirement community, please contact the Sales Manager at your community of interest.

Ready to take the next step?

Book a tour

Book a tour today and experience our community firsthand, or search for other nearby Calvary Retirement Communities.