Providing Trusted Retirement Living & Aged Care Advice In Tweed Heads

Retirement Village & Aged Care Solicitors NSW & QLD

Despite being heavily regulated under legislation, retirement villages & aged care facilities often present troublesome issue for residents. We can help you navigate all such issues and any problems that may arise. There can be a certain amount of confusion and lack of clarity with the terms and conditions of contracts to be entered into by a resident, especially in relation to ongoing fees and charges. It is vitally important to have an experienced solicitor by your side to guide you through the process and ensure that you fully understand your rights and obligations. 

For instance, residents in retirement villages in New South Wales should be aware that being pressured to pay refurbishment costs when leaving your retirement village operator is prohibited under section 164 of the Act. Sometimes, residents reporting that they are being pressed into paying for renovations, ranging from repainting to new kitchen installations.

It is also worth noting that, while some retirement villages have aged care facilities adjoining them – usually owned and run by the same operator – living in a retirement village does not entitle you to automatic aged care when you are no longer able to live independently. Residents of retirement villages should be aware that the terms of their contract with the village may compel them to depart the village if their health declines to the point that they no longer are capable of self care and independent living. At that point, they would need to seek entry into an aged care facility capable of providing the higher level of care that they now require. Also, any exit or departure fees would become due and payable to the operator of the retirement village at that time, potentially depleting their resources as they seek to purchase a place in an aged care facility.

Retirement villages and aged care facilities are in fact covered by completely different legislation. Aged care facilities fall under federal law, whereas retirement villages are under state law.

Friendly, Trusted, Reliable

At Budd & Piper Solicitors & Conveyancers, we will help ensure that moving into a retirement village or aged care facility will be as smooth and stress-free as we can possibly make it. We will assist you in getting the most out of your contract with the operator of the facility and securing your resident rights. Our trusted team will thoroughly investigate the terms and conditions which apply to the facility you are considering the facility you are considering, with a view to ensuring  that the contract is fair and reasonable and that the operator of the facility has a good reputation. We will explain and oversee the contracts and paperwork to make sure that you and your family fully understand all applicable costs relating to your entry into the facility, ongoing or recurrent charges, and departure or exit fees payable to the operator when you leave. We can also provide legal counsel for any disputes that may arise.

Get In Touch

Since 1927, the team at Budd & Piper Solicitors & Conveyancers in Tweed Heads has been serving countless clients throughout Northern New South Wales and Gold Coast, Queensland. We take the time to listen to your requirements, ensuring we can find the best possible outcome to your legal needs. Our wide scope of services also includes:

• Business law
• Conveyancing in New South Wales & Queensland
• Leasing
• Elder law advice
• Wills
• Guardianship & advanced care directives
• Powers of attorney
• Probate & deceased estates in New South Wales & Queensland
• Succession law advice
• General legal advice

For further information on our range of services or rates, speak with us today. If you are ready for an initial consultation, one of our friendly team members will be happy to book you in.