Some retirement villages need to improve the way they communicate with residents, as well as ensuring that potential residents understand exactly what they are signing up for, according to Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan.
In a report released today she recommends changes to the 2003 Retirement Villages Act as some parts of it were problematic and many of operators and residents' difficulties arose because of poor implementation.
While it would be worthwhile reviewing the Act, there was nothing stopping the industry addressing problems on its own, she said.
"Most retirement village operators communicate really well and implement the Act properly. Their residents are very happy and do feel secure. But in villages where the Act isn't implemented well, the opposite can be true.''
Fee increases, reductions in services, failure to provide planned amenities and a lack of consultation over changes in the operation or ownership of the villages were among their concerns, she said.
