Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a retirement village is a big decision. Below you’ll find clear, helpful answers to the most common questions asked by older adults and families exploring retirement villages in Bedfordview and Johannesburg.
Our aim is to help you make an informed, confident decision about your future.
Retirement living & senior living basics
What is a retirement village, and how does St George’s Village fit into this?
A retirement village is a secure, purpose-built community designed for older adults who want independence, comfort and access to support if their needs change.
St George’s Village offers:
- Independent living cottages
- Mid Care / assisted living
- Frail Care with 24-hour nursing
- A Restaurant and Coffee Shop
- Extensive lifestyle and wellness activities
- Dedicated security and care services
This allows residents to enjoy a safe, enriching environment throughout their later years.
On top of that, it should offer clear, actionable advice and steps to turn your goals into reality. To guide you toward the best decisions, a good plan will also lay out a variety of potential scenarios—plus some alternative ones—for you to consider.
What is the ideal age to move into a retirement village?
At St George’s Village, cottage applications are generally accepted from ages 55 to 75, as this aligns with the typical age of residents seeking independent or assisted retirement living.
However, we do accept new entrants over the age of 75, provided the applicant is medically fit and able to live safely and comfortably within the community.
Many residents choose to move before major life or health events occur. Moving earlier allows for:
- A smoother and more comfortable transition
- The best choice of available cottages
- Time to build friendships and settle into village life
- Proactive planning before health changes
- Peace of mind for both the resident and family
Senior-living research consistently shows that early planning leads to a more positive and confident retirement experience.
What is the difference between independent living, mid care and frail care?
Independent Living:
For self-sufficient residents who want a secure, low-maintenance home with optional support.
Mid Care:
Daily support with meals, medication, housekeeping and laundry while maintaining independence.
Frail Care:
24-hour nursing support, mobility assistance and full help with daily activities in a structured, caring environment.
What are activities of daily living (ADLs), and why do they matter?
ADLs include bathing, dressing, mobility, eating and managing medications.
If a resident begins needing regular assistance with several ADLs, it may indicate that a transition from independent living to the Care Centre is appropriate.
Does St George’s Village accept residents at any stage of their retirement journey?
Yes. Residents are welcome to join St George’s Village at any stage — whether completely independent, needing daily support, or requiring full-time care.
We offer:
- Independent Living
- Mid Care
- Frail Care
Many choose to move in early to enjoy the lifestyle and security, while others join later as their care needs increase. The village is designed to support every stage of the journey.
Do I lose my independence if I move to a retirement village?
Not at all. Most residents enjoy more independence because they no longer need to worry about home maintenance, security, or access to support. You are free to focus on lifestyle, hobbies and connection.
Life rights & costs
What is a Life Right and how does it work at St George’s Village?
A Life Right grants you and your spouse/partner the right to live in your cottage for the rest of your lives.
Key features:
- 75% of the original purchase price is refunded when the Life Right ends
- No transfer fees, no VAT, no sales commission
- Regulated by the Housing Schemes for Retired Persons Act
- Managed by Grace Village Management (Pty) Ltd
Life Rights give long-term financial clarity and security.
What are the financial benefits of Life Rights?
- No transfer duties
- No bond registration costs
- No special levies
- Simpler budgeting
- Predictable monthly levies
- A portion of capital returned to the estate
This model is widely viewed as one of the safest and most transparent retirement housing options.
Who may apply for a cottage?
Applications accepted from ages 55–75
Life Rights granted from age 60
A R3,000 non-refundable deposit is required with the application
What does the monthly levy cover?
Levies include:
- Security
- Garden & communal maintenance
- Administration
- Village services (refuse, pathways, street lighting)
- General upkeep of the village
Additional services such as meals, laundry, domestic help and care support can be added as needed.
Assisted Living
What is Assisted Living at St George’s Village?
At St George’s Village, Assisted Living refers to the care and support provided through both Mid Care and Frail Care. These two levels ensure that residents receive the appropriate assistance — whether they need help with daily routines or full-time, 24-hour support — all within a safe, comfortable environment.
Assisted Living helps residents maintain dignity, comfort and independence while ensuring their evolving care needs are met.
What is Mid Care?
Mid Care is suitable for residents who can manage some aspects of daily living independently but require help with routines such as meals, medication, housekeeping and laundry
Mid Care rooms include:
- A spacious private room
- En-suite bathroom
- Kitchenette
- Space to furnish according to personal preference
Mid Care services include:
- Daily nutritious meals
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Medication support if needed
- Social and community engagement opportunities
- Staff available around the clock for reassurance
This level of Assisted Living offers a balance of independence and supportive daily oversight if needed.
What is Frail Care?
Frail Care provides specialised, continuous support for residents who need 24-hour assistance, medical oversight or full help with daily activities.
Frail Care includes:
- 24-hour professional nursing
- Full support with daily living activities
- Medication administration
- Nutritious meals
- Mobility and hygiene assistance
- Laundry and domestic services
- Coordinated leisure activities
- Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Frail Care is designed for residents who require consistent, full-time care to ensure their wellbeing.
Does St George’s Village offer dementia or Alzheimer’s care?
St George’s Village does not offer specialised dementia or Alzheimer’s care.
Residents with mild memory challenges may be supported within Mid Care or Frail Care, but individuals requiring a secure memory unit or specialised cognitive care will need a dedicated dementia-care facility.
How will I know when Frail Care is needed?
A transition to Frail Care may be appropriate when a resident:
- Requires continuous or full assistance with daily tasks
- Shows increasing forgetfulness or confusion
- Experiences mobility difficulties or frequent falls
- Has ongoing safety concerns
- Needs regular or constant medical monitoring
The Care Centre Manager can help assess needs and provide professional guidance.
Do you offer short-term or respite care?
Yes. St George’s Village offers a dedicated respite care room for temporary stays, including:
- Post-hospital recovery
- Short-term assistance
- Caregiver relief
- Trial stays to explore long-term suitability
Can couples remain close if their care needs differ?
Yes. One of the advantages of St George’s Village is that couples can stay connected even when their care needs change.
For example:
- One partner may continue living independently in a cottage
- The other may move into Mid Care or Frail Care
This allows couples to remain close to one another while each receives appropriate care.
Lifestyle, Dinning & Activities
What lifestyle activities does St George’s offer?
Residents enjoy a rich programme, including:
- Pilates
- Craft groups
- Bingo, Bridge, Canasta
- Croquet
- Snooker
- Movie afternoons & Music Hour
- Library
- Beauty & hairdresser services
- Chapel services
- Monthly themed dinners
A vibrant and engaging retirement lifestyle.
Does the village have dining facilities?
Yes. The on-site Restaurant offers:
- Buffet & à la carte meals
- Outdoor deck dining under the trees
- Catering for Mid Care & Frail Care
- A charming Coffee Shop serving cakes and light meals
- Popular themed dinners
Does the village offer transport?
Yes. The Combi Service runs to Bedford Centre every Wednesday morning.
Safety & Security
What security measures are in place?
- 24-hour guards at both entrances
- Controlled access gates
- Perimeter walls
- Electrified fencing
- Security lighting
- Camera surveillance with offsite camera monitoring
- Burglar proofing
- Emergency call buttons & telephones
- Regular patrols
add camera surveillance with offsite camera monitoring
What medical support is available on-site?
- 24/7 nursing in Frail Care
- Clinic days twice weekly
- Medication monitoring
- Respite care
- Access to visiting medical professionals
Admissions & Practicalities
How do I apply to live at St George’s Village?
The admissions process includes:
- Enquiry
- Village tour
- Review of cottage or care accommodation
- Application & deposit
- Assessment (if required)
Can family or friends stay overnight?
Yes. Our guest cottage sleeps up to four people and is ideal for visiting family.
Can I personalise my cottage or room?
Absolutely — residents are welcome to furnish and decorate their homes to their own taste.
Can I bring my own doctor or healthcare providers?
Yes. Residents may continue seeing their preferred doctors or specialists.
Does St George’s Village have a borehole?
Yes. St George’s Village has invested in a comprehensive borehole and filtration system to ensure long-term water security and sustainability for our community.
The system includes multiple boreholes, high-capacity storage tanks and a sophisticated filtration plant, producing exceptionally clean, safe and high-quality water — often of better quality than municipal supply.
This initiative has been a major advantage for the village, offering:
- A reliable and resilient water source
- Significant cost savingson water usage
- Consistent water availability, even during municipal interruptions
- Beautifully filtered, high-quality drinking water
- Sustainable water usagefor gardens and communal facilities
The success of this project has strengthened the village’s infrastructure and provides residents with added confidence and peace of mind.
