21 December 2006
For immediate release
Retirement Villages Association says survey results are no surprise
Retirement Commission survey results showing 99% of residents are satisfied with retirement village living are to be
expected according to the Retirement Villages Association.
As part of its role in the regulatory framework that comes into effect next year, the Retirement Commission engaged AC
Neilsen to carry out an independent survey of all New Zealand retirement villages.
President of the Retirement Villages Association, Norah Barlow said the overwhelmingly positive survey results come as
no surprise to the Retirement Villages Association.
“The Retirement Commission findings are conclusive and are evidence of our members’ commitment to the highest industry
standards,” she said.
Show me another industry that can boast these sorts of satisfaction levels ”said Ms Barlow.
“We are continually working with our members to ensure that senior New Zealanders are able to enjoy their retirement
years in the best quality facilities and highest standards of care.”
More than 50 villages were surveyed with 68% of residents saying they were very satisfied and 31% satisfied with their
village. Residents listed the security, companionship and location to nearby amenities as being the main positives in
their village.
The survey also showed that more than 90% of residents are satisfied with communication and management in their
villages.
“Retirement village residents have demonstrated a good understanding of the financial and legal issues involved with
purchasing a retirement village unit which is an important part of the success of the business relationship,” said Norah
Barlow
The Retirement Villages Association represents the interests of villages comprising over 15,000 residents throughout New
Zealand and recent legislation is expected to increase membership even higher.
“Being completely independent research, these satisfaction results are extremely gratifying and give residents
confidence in the industry,” she said.
“This also demonstrates the very strong contribution that retirement villages make to the community.
“While it will be a tough task given this result, we will be encouraging our members to increase satisfaction even
further for the perfect result.”
ENDS