FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.     Where is the Ozanam Retirement Village (ORV) located in Taiping?

Ozanam Retirement Village is located at the Church of Our Lady of The Sacred Heart, Klian Pauh, Taiping, about 1.5km from the Taiping Lake and project of the Society of St Vincent De Paul to provide care for the Aged & Elderly.  

The objective of setting up this home is to promote holistic living in a sustainable environment promoting care for the Elderly.  The Spirituality of the Society and the project is in line with the teachings of the Church to promote care and Love for all with a focus on Justice and Care for Creation irrespective of Creed, Race and Religion.

2. Who can stay at the ORV?

An independent living person (including those with some disabilities but self-reliant) who is aged Fifty-Five (55) years and above, irrespective of religious belief or race, is eligible for stay at ORV subject to an interview process to determine that the applicant can benefit from the holistic living concept of ORV.  

Residents who become disabled whilst residing at the ORV and requiring dependency care shall be given the option to be transferred out to a partner-home working in collaboration with us that provides such care.  However, this arrangement with partner homes would apply until our planned expansion to include a wing (Phase 2) for provision of care to residents who are disabled is completed. The current plans to build such a wing will commence 2 years after completion of the existing works of building the 162 units meant for independent living residents subject to approval of plans etc.  by the authorities. (See Note 1)

3. How much does it cost to lease a unit?

The unit is not for sale, but each resident is given a Right To Occupy (RTO). The RTO fee is RM140,000.00 per unit subject to a revised amount in the future as the Operator deems fit.

4. What is the Right To Occupy? How long is the RTO for?

“Right to Occupy” (RTO) is the license to occupy the unit after Right To Occupy Fee has been paid in full. The lease period with the Landowner who is the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang is until August 2049.

5. What happens if the resident is still alive after the lease period? Do they continue to pay the monthly charges?

Yes, the Resident can continue to stay after the lease period and continue to pay the monthly maintenance fees.

6. Is it open for booking now? How do I book?

Yes. It is open for booking.  A booking fee of RM10,000.00 (out of which RM 5,000 is non-refundable) is required and payable to The National Society of St. Vincent De Paul Malaysia’s MBB Account No: 5141 8765 6915, upon signing of the booking form.

7. When are we expected to pay the difference? Can I pay RM140,000.00 (Right to Occupy Fee) by installment?

Once the booking fee is paid, the Resident’s Agreement will be prepared, and the full amount has to be paid upon the signing of the Resident’s Agreement. The payment of the Right to Occupy Fee shall be made within one month from the payment of the booking fee. An extension of 2 months can be applicable if special conditions warrant (eg. approval of bank loans) and is subject to approval of Board.

8. Do you charge legal fees?

Yes, stamping and legal fees are applicable and will be charged at costs.

9. When is the estimated date of handing over the keys?

The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026

10.  Can my unit be treated as an investment? Can you help me to lease the unit out if I’m not staying?

No the unit cannot be treated as an investment scheme.

11.  Are there any other payments besides RM140, 000.00 and legal fees?

Yes, there is a monthly payment known as the Maintenance fees.

12.  What are the maintenance charges like?

Currently, a monthly maintenance fee of RM1,500.00 for single occupancy and RM2,400.00 for double occupancy is applicable. An additional monthly fee of RM100.00 is chargeable for an air-conditioned unit. The fee is fixed for the first 3 years. However, please note that beyond that, the fee will be determined at prevailing fair market rates. Operators reserve the right to revise the maintenance fees and make the necessary adjustments at the prevailing rates.

13.  What are the services provided in consideration of the monthly maintenance fees?

-  Emergency call system in each room

-  Free Internet service (WIFI)

-  Four (4) meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner) inclusive of vegetarian/non-vegetarian meals

-  Self-service laundry facilities

-  Scheduled Housekeeping

-  Transportation for scheduled hospital visits in Taiping

-  Sick bay for temporary observation

-  Visiting doctor for consultation services (at own expense)

-  Guarded and Gated Retirement Living

-  24 hours CCTV monitoring system

-  Common shared parking area

-  Free Shuttle Services (scheduled)

-  Facilitated exercise programs e.g. yoga, line dancing, tai chi etc.

- Social and recreational activities e.g. board games, gardening, art & craft, baking etc.

14.  What are the other facilities in the Retirement Village for resident’s use?

 - Coffee corner and private cooking

 - Mini library and reading corner

 - Chapel for quite prayers

 - Gazebo for communal use

 - a Gym facility

15.  Is the space in the unit, walkways and facilities big enough for a wheelchair bound and healthy resident to move comfortably safely and independently?

Sufficient space has been designed and built in and the complex will be wheel chair accessible and friendly.

16.  If I pay RM140k now but move in later, when do I need to start paying the monthly maintenance fee?

You will be required to pay the monthly maintenance from the date the Resident is given the right to occupy and the keys to the Unit are collected.

17.  What happens if I do not occupy the unit?

In the event the Resident is not occupying the unit for a period of more than Thirty (30) days from the date of notice being received by the management, the Resident will be entitled to a rebate of RM300.00 per month for single occupancy and RM600.00 for double occupancy of the monthly maintenance fee for the period of absence.

Please note that Residents cannot assign the unit to another person without expressed approval from the management. Terms and conditions will apply on such cases.

18.  What about termination? Can I terminate and get my money back?

There are two scenarios to terminate. One is death and the other upon 3 months’ written notice by the Resident. In both cases the balance sum on a prorated basis minus a refurbishing cost will be refunded to the Resident or the next of kin. Currently the refurbishment cost is fixed at lump sum RM 10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Ringgit Malaysia).

19.  Any restrictions to stay overnight elsewhere for a few days?

There are no restrictions for residents to stay overnight elsewhere for a few days.  However, you will need to inform management if you are not staying overnight for safety and security reasons.

20.  Is there a kitchenette in the unit ?

No. As Residents are provided with 4 meals a day, there is no kitchenette in the unit. However, there is a facility at the administration block for communal cooking.

21.  Are pets allowed at ORV?

No, unfortunately, pets are not currently allowed at the Retirement Village. (See Note 2)

22.  Are foreigners allowed to stay at ORV?

Yes, subject to compliance with local laws and regulations and in particular Malaysian Immigration laws.

NOTES

1.     Dependency Care - Dependency care involves providing support for individuals who, due to age, illness, or disability, lack the autonomy to perform daily activities, requiring assistance from others, ranging from informal family help to formal services, and encompasses strategic national plans, specialized medical units (like paediatric high-dependency), and addressing the needs of both the dependent person and their caregivers. It's about bridging self-care deficits with care resources, ensuring dignity, promoting autonomy where possible, and recognizing the significant impact on families and society, often involving complex policy and economic factors. 

2.     However, the management will be undertaking a study to see if the village can be made pet friendly with stringent guidelines.