Ready to retire? Weigh up your options at Kloof Rotary Q&A retirement session

RETIREMENT decisions are one-way streets, from which, if we get it wrong, few return unscathed.
And making correct informed decisions often determines whether we live happily ever after in our chosen retirement estate, or whether the venture turns into a traumatic experience, sometimes accompanied by a financial disaster.
So what can be done to make sure that we make the right decision?
Investigate thoroughly and ask the right questions.

–Why move at all? 
Because we are getting older? Because we might need frail care? (No more than 2 per cent of people over the age of 65 and 8 per cent of those over 80 ever require frail care). No, in South Africa, the main motivation for moving is security.

–Granny flats 
Our children have asked us to move into a granny flat on their property; is this good idea?

–Financial 
What is the history of the organisation? Can you have a copy of the audited financial statements? Ascertain what the prices/fees are? (And importantly in the event of death what refund is due to your estate?).

ALSO READ: Hillcrest award-winning vet retires

–Waiting lists 
Does the estate have a waiting list? How long does it normally take for the offer of a unit (or Frail Care bed) to arise? How much is the current levy – and what does it cover? Is there a levy stabilisation fund? How much is in it? Has the facility ever had to raise a special levy? Why? What for? (Special levies are sometimes an indication of mismanagement).

–Legal compliance 

Is the facility registered with CSOS and/or the Department of Social Development? (Ask to be shown a copy of the registration certificates). When was the facility last inspected? Is the facility a non-profit one?
These are a few of the plethora of questions which retirees face, in their senior years.

To help you make the right decision for you, Kloof Rotary Club is hosting a Q&A evening at the Kloof Country Club on Tuesday, 20 August at 6pm for 6.30.

This is an open invitation to anyone interested in retirement issues. There is no charge.

Contact Selwyn Comrie at comrie@iafrica.com or call on 082 659 4659 to reserve your place.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.

To receive our free newsletter click here.