Residents of Coral Sea Gardens Retirement Village sitting outside, having coffee, and smiling

FAQs

Find the answers to common questions you may have when choosing your new home.

Who is Mercy Health?

Mercy Health is a Catholic organisation grounded in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for others. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we employ over 10,000 people to provide compassionate and comprehensive care in the form of retirement living, home and community care, residential aged care and healthcare.

We employ people from many cultures and backgrounds who, irrespective of their beliefs, share a common bond to care for those in need.

Our retirement villages are located in Victoria, Far North Queensland and Western Australia. All villages have co-located residential aged care and Home Care Services.

Mercy Health is guided by the values of compassion, hospitality, respect, innovation, stewardship and teamwork. These values inform the way we care for those in need, and each other.

What happens if I need a little bit of extra care or support later on in life?

We offer flexible, adaptive care — referred to as 'ageing in place' — to meet your care requirements as they grow or change.

If you require care at home, Mercy Health can support you to keep comfortable at home with in-home care services that promote your health, wellbeing and independence. Having home care services delivered to village homes helps residents continue living independently in the village for as long as possible.

Each of our retirement living sites is co-located with a Mercy Health Residential Aged Care home, which offer respite care or long-term accommodation. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the option of moving into a nearby home when the time comes, pending availability.

Can my friends and family visit?

Friends and family are welcome to attend special events and functions. We’re passionate about supporting you to remain connected and actively involved with friends, family and the wider community.

While keeping up with longtime friends is important, remember that you’ll also meet new neighbours and friends upon moving into your new home in the village. We also promote opportunities to get out and about in the community with fellow residents share your hobbies and interests.

Can my friends or family come to stay?

Yes. It's your home and you are more than welcome to invite guests to stay for short periods of time.

For the safety and security of all visitors and residents, we ask that you advise the Manager if friends or family are coming to stay.

What happens if I have an issue with the Manager?

We believe in a proactive, timely and respectful approach to dealing with issues or concerns, and open communication between residents and management is the key.

As a resident, you can speak to the Village Manager or the Chief Executive Residential Aged Care, Home Care and Retirement Living. In most villages, there is a Resident’s Committee which operates on behalf of the residents. There are also dispute resolution and complaint processes available through Mercy Health and the relevant state regulatory authority.

Can I bring my pet?

We understand the importance of having pets as companions in your home. However, the ability to have a pet varies from village to village. We ask that you advise us if you have a pet, or if you intend to bring one into your home.

Pets are expected to be controlled in a manner that ensures they do not become a nuisance or safety risk to other residents.

What should I consider before moving into my home at a village?

There are a number of important factors to consider before you make your decision, as moving into a retirement village is a significant step, and one that you want to get right. It’s vital that you take the time to consider your personal lifestyle requirements now and into the future together with the retirement living options available to you, in order to make an informed choice. Ask us for our handy checklist.

Will I have to pay stamp duty upon settlement of my new home in a village?

No. Stamp duty is not payable upon purchase of your home at our villages. This can be a significant saving compared to buying traditional residential housing.

Do you offer rental accommodation?

Yes, at selected villages. Please contact us for further details.

What contracts will I have to sign?

When buying or renting a home in a retirement village, you are required to enter into a Residence Agreement. These documents are professionally prepared in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act, which is policed by the applicable state government department.

These documents differ from those associated with a typical real estate purchase. When you buy into one of our villages, you are purchasing the 'right to reside' in the home on a lease.

Please ensure you fully understand the agreement before moving into your new home at a village.

How are my interests protected in a village?

As a resident within a registered retirement village, your purchase is protected by your Residence and Management Agreement and the Retirement Villages Act in your State.

This form of tenure is doubly beneficial, because it also ensures that Mercy Health is committed to maintaining a long-term interest in the village.

What happens if the village is sold?

If the village is sold to another operator, all existing residents are protected under both the Retirement Villages Act and the Residence Agreements. Residents cannot be forced, and are unlikely to be requested to sign new Residence Agreements.

Do I need to get legal advice before purchasing a home with Mercy Health?

Although our legal documents are prepared by an industry-specialist solicitor, we want you to be completely confident and satisfied with your decision to move into our village. Our experienced sales and management teams are available to explain documentation and answer any questions you may have.

You are free to use a conveyancing service of your choice. However, we recommend consulting with your solicitor, accountant or any personal advisers for peace of mind.

Mercy Health provides you with a copy of your agreement and relevant information a minimum of 21 days before you are required to sign the agreement. This gives you time to understand the costs of entering, living in and leaving your unit and to seek advice.

Last reviewed January 24, 2020.

Contact us

If you need help at any point throughout the process of accessing residential living, or you’d like to talk through your options, we can arrange to get in contact at a time of your choosing.

Contact us

What to remember when moving to a village

Our pre-move checklist covers everything from electricity and gas to the process for incoming pets.

What to remember when moving to a village

About us

With Mercy Health, you can join vibrant retirement communities of like-minded and active friends, while enjoying the comfort and assurance that high quality nursing care is within easy reach whenever you need it.

About us