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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I apply for Government-funded financial help?
Yes, if you are 65 years or over and your ‘support needs assessment’ confirms you may be eligible for Government financial assistance. At Metlifecare we want you to be certain of your financial commitments, so many of our villages have arrangements with local health authorities to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to – a talk with one of our Nurse Managers will help you find out more about the benefits you may be entitled to, and Metlifecare will assist you to receive them.
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Are there any hidden costs?
Metlifecare prides itself on having a transparent fee structure ensuring there are no hidden costs. On termination you don’t have to pay for any administration or sales and marketing costs.
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What if I want to go on holiday?
This is your home, so you have the freedom to come and go as you please. We will maintain the grounds and security so you have total peace of mind while you are away.
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Who will look after my lawn and gardens?
At Metlifecare we provide you with an independent retirement lifestyle, so we leave that choice up to you. We certainly maintain all the grounds within the village but if your unit has a garden you can still care for it if you wish.
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Is help always close at hand?
All villages, except Metlifecare Kapiti, have access to 24 hour emergency assistance with nurses and or trained staff on hand to assist when required. You can, however, arrange for your own medical alarm units and visits if you wish. In addition, we can provide several levels of care in all types of accommodation should you ever need it.
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Is there security?
We know that one of the main reasons our residents choose to live in a retirement village is because of the enhanced security. Our village has regular security patrols.
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What is the minimum age for residents?
You must be 55 years or over to move into a Metlifecare village.
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Are church services provided?
When you move into a Metlifecare village you can still participate in those activities that are important to you. Most villages do hold regular services and there are generally churches nearby.
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Can I have pets?
We will always be considerate of your needs but, while most small pets are welcome, you will need to check with the village manager before you move in.
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Can my friends and family stay with me?
Yes. When you move into a Metlifecare village you can maintain your family and social ties. This is your home, so you can have guests over to visit or stay if you like.
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How does the fee structure work?
Capital Sum
The capital sum is the purchase price paid for the Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) to secure your right to occupy the residence of your choice within any Metlifecare village. The capital sum varies according to the size and location of the residence you choose.
To secure an ORA, you will be required complete an application form and pay a small deposit. The application form contains conditions that need to be satisfied which may include the sale of your current home, receiving legal advice and providing Metlifecare with a medical certificate.
At Metlifecare we also strongly encourage intending residents to consult with their families and better still to get them involved in the decision. It is a compulsory condition to obtain legal advice and the lawyer is required to provide a certificate indicating that the advice has been provided and that you are fully conversant with the terms and conditions of the ORA.
Once all the conditions have been met, the capital sum is required to be paid on settlement.
Membership Fee
All residents are required to pay a deferred membership fee (DMF). This fee is payable only on departure from the village. The DMF is capped at 30% of the capital sum payable on entry. The 30% is accrued at 10% per year over the first three years of occupancy. Once the DMF is fully accrued, it cannot be charged again. Your membership fees stop accruing however if your ORA is terminated within the initial 3 year period.
The DMF is deducted when the capital sum is refunded on your departure. The capital sum is refunded 5 days after a new resident has settled on a new ORA for the home you have vacated.
Village Fee
This is a set monthly fee that covers all the outgoings of the village which include, but are not limited to, council rates, water rates, building insurance, external maintenance, upkeep of community facilities, staff costs, gardening and management of the village. The village fee is increased annually by the same rate at which superannuation is increased. This treatment of the Village Fee ensures that you are protected from any increases in operating costs that are in excess of inflation.
Your own costs
You are responsible for the costs of internal maintenance, your power and phone bills and insurance on your house chattels and belongings.
Independent advice
The Retirement Villages Act 2003 is designed to provide improved protection for people who buy into retirement villages. If you intend to purchase you must get independent legal advice before signing your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).
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What happens if I decide to leave the village?
You will always have the choice to leave the village and there are no exit costs. If you do choose to leave you only have to write to the Manager expressing that you wish to terminate your ORA and one month after receiving the letter, your ORA will be terminated. Following termination Metlifecare will sell your villa or apartment and at that time you will be refunded the original purchase price less the accrued membership fee (and any outstanding amounts).
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Who pays for the refurbishment of the villa / apartment when I leave?
On termination of your ORA, Metlifecare is responsible for all refurbishment costs associated with your villa or apartment. If there is any damage or wear that is beyond fair wear and tear, then you will be responsible for that portion of the costs. Further, on entry, if Metlifecare agreed to make alterations to the villa/apartment and part of the agreement was that you would be responsible for the reinstatement when you terminate the ORA, then these costs too would need to be borne by you.
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What happens if my villa or apartment doesn’t sell straight away?
All village fees will stop if a sale is not reached within six months of leaving your villa or apartment. If it takes longer than nine months to sell, we will pay interest on the refund amount due to you.
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How are my financial interests protected?
The ORA gives you the right to live in your villa or apartment for the term of the agreement. You can also enjoy the services and facilities of the village, in accordance with your ORA. While your occupation right is unsecured, the Operator has registered an ‘encumbrance’ over the title of the village property in favour of the independent Statutory Supervisor. The encumbrance is a first charge over the land and acts as security for the performance of the Operator’s responsibilities under the ORA and ensures that the village land will always be used as a retirement village.
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How are my rights protected?
When you move into a Metlifecare village you will have peace of mind knowing your rights are protected. An independent Statutory Supervisor has been appointed to each village. The role of the Statutory Supervisor is to monitor the financial position of the village to ensure that Metlifecare meets its obligations to you. You will have the confidence of knowing your retirement lifestyle is assured both now and into the future.
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Can I change to another Metlifecare village?
Yes you can.
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What happens if my needs change?
At Metlifecare, we offer a full continuum of care which means that if your needs change, you can access additional care services while remaining in your own home. Our care packages include meals, laundry, cleaning, access to Doctors and Nurses and 24 hour emergency assistance.
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2 bedroom villa set in a sprawling natural paradise
All day sun soaked living area, refurbished kitchen, internal garage access and a great price.
OPEN WEEKEND
26 & 27 May - 10am to 4pm
For more details click here or call us on 04 296 1797
