Located in the coastal paradise of Ocean Grove, Ryman's Deborah Cheetham Village is a welcoming retirement community with a range of care and living options to support every stage. In addition to independent and assisted living, the village is home to Deborah Cheetham care centre, offering residential aged care, specialist dementia care, and respite care, all on the same site. All care rooms are spacious and include an ensuite bathroom, and are fitted with call bells monitored around the clock. 

Whether you require support with chronic health conditions, rehabilitation, or everyday care, you'll feel connected, comfortable, and cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Specialist dementia care is offered in a secure and compassionate environment where residents can live in the moment and experience kindness, comfort, and connection every day. 

We also offer respite care for those needing short-term support, rehabilitation, or simply a change of scenery and social engagement. Spending some time with us in respite care can also help ease the transition to full-time residential aged care. 

Our care teams are supported by the award-winning myRyman Care app, giving them more time to spend with and get to know residents. You or your loved one will have a detailed care plan tailored to your needs and preferences – right down to how you like your tea or coffee. 

Delicious meals are prepared fresh on site by our village chefs using seasonal, nutritious ingredients. We continually refine our menu, and our talented chefs aim to tempt every palate. 

We foster connection and wellbeing, with daily activities, outings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful amenities in the care centre. You're free to participate as much or as little as you choose. 

From meals and activities to maintenance and support, our teams work together to make life easier. It's the coordination, expertise, and commitment behind the scenes that ensure you can feel confident everything is taken care of. 

We understand that moving to a care home can be a significant life change and that you want to feel able to trust that you or your loved one is in safe hands. Trust is built with consistent excellence over time, and our residents and their families know they can rely on Ryman, year after year.  

When you walk into Deborah Cheetham care centre you can feel it – there's a genuine warmth in the way residents and our care teams connect, creating a community where people feel supported, valued, and at home. Even more special is the welcoming community that wraps around you and makes you feel at home. 

It's something best experienced in person, and we encourage you and your family to come and visit. Our friendly team can answer your questions, show you around the village, and introduce you to residents who know firsthand what makes this community so special. 

Ryman Healthcare Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts 

Reviewed By: villages.com.au Editorial Team 
Last Updated: June 2026 

Ryman Healthcare is one of Australasia's largest retirement living and aged care providers, operating retirement villages that combine independent living with access to care and support services. Known for its continuum of care model, Ryman communities offer independent living villas and apartments, lifestyle amenities, social opportunities, and aged care services within the same village. This guide explains Ryman Healthcare locations, lifestyle, home ownership arrangements, costs, facilities, and key considerations for prospective residents. 

About Ryman Healthcare 

Who Is Ryman Healthcare? 

Ryman Healthcare is a retirement living and aged care provider founded in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1984. The organisation has grown into one of the largest retirement village operators in Australasia, operating dozens of retirement villages across New Zealand and Australia. Ryman's guiding philosophy is that everything it does should be "good enough for mum and dad", with a strong focus on resident wellbeing and quality care. 

In Australia, Ryman's villages are primarily located throughout Victoria, where it has established integrated retirement communities that combine independent living, assisted living and aged care services. 

The company is particularly well known for its "continuum of care" approach, which allows residents to access higher levels of support and care as their needs change without necessarily leaving the community they call home. 

What Makes Ryman Healthcare Different? 

Key Ryman Healthcare features include: 

• Integrated retirement living and aged care communities 

• Independent living villas and apartments 

• Continuum of care model 

• Extensive community facilities 

• Professionally managed villages 

• Social and lifestyle programs 

• Security and peace of mind 

• Purpose-built retirement communities 

• Maintenance support 

• Pet-friendly options at selected villages 

Ryman Healthcare at a Glance 

Where Does Ryman Healthcare Operate? 

Ryman Healthcare Communities by State 

Ryman Healthcare's Australian footprint is concentrated in Victoria, where it continues to expand its retirement village network. 

Community Directory 

The exact mix of villages continues to evolve as new communities are developed and opened. Communities include established villages and newer developments in locations such as: 

Prospective residents should check current availability through villages.com.au or directly with Ryman Healthcare, as home availability can change frequently. 

What Is Living at Ryman Healthcare Like? 

Lifestyle and Social Activities 

Ryman villages are designed around community participation and active retirement living. 

Depending on the village, residents may enjoy: 

• Resident social clubs 

• Community events 

• Exercise classes 

• Walking groups 

• Arts and crafts activities 

• Card and board game groups 

• Educational presentations 

• Community outings 

• Volunteer opportunities 

• Seasonal celebrations 

The goal is to provide opportunities for social connection while allowing residents to participate as much or as little as they choose. 

Wellness and Recreation Facilities 

Facilities vary by village, but many Ryman communities include a broad range of lifestyle amenities. 

Many villages are designed to encourage both physical activity and social engagement. 

Home Ownership at Ryman Healthcare 

Do Residents Own Their Homes? 

One of the most important things prospective residents should understand is that Ryman Healthcare generally operates under a Residence and Management Contract (RMC) rather than traditional freehold property ownership. 

Under this model: 

• Residents pay an entry payment for the right to occupy a villa or apartment. 

• Residents do not own the property title. 

• The village retains ownership of the unit. 

• Residents receive contractual rights to occupy their home. 

• Rights and obligations are set out in the Residence and Management Contract. 

This arrangement differs from both traditional home ownership and land lease communities. 

An advantage for some residents is that stamp duty generally does not apply because residents are purchasing occupancy rights rather than buying real estate. 

Buying a Home in a Ryman Healthcare Community 

The typical process includes: 

1. Research available villages 

2. Visit and inspect display homes 

3. Review village facilities and services 

4. Obtain independent legal and financial advice 

5. Review the Residence and Management Contract 

6. Secure the preferred villa or apartment 

7. Complete settlement 

8. Move into the community 

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended before signing any retirement village contract. 

What Types of Homes Are Available? 

Home types vary between villages but commonly include: 

• One-bedroom apartments 

• Two-bedroom apartments 

• Two-bedroom villas 

• Three-bedroom villas 

• Single-level designs 

• Accessible floorplans 

• Internal garages 

• Outdoor entertaining areas 

• Modern kitchens and bathrooms 

Many homes are specifically designed for ageing in place and lower-maintenance living. 

What Does It Cost to Live at Ryman Healthcare? 

Home Purchase Costs 

Entry pricing varies significantly depending on: 

• Location 

• Home size 

• Village age 

• Facilities available 

• Demand in the local market 

Prices can range from several hundred thousand dollars to well over $1 million in premium Melbourne locations. 

Ongoing Fees and Charges 

Ryman residents typically pay ongoing fees to support village operations and services. 

Residents should carefully review disclosure documentation and fee schedules before committing. 

Are There Exit Fees? 

Yes. Ryman Healthcare uses a Deferred Management Fee (DMF), sometimes called a departure fee or exit fee. 

The Deferred Management Fee contributes to: 

• Village management 

• Community facilities 

• Refurbishment of units 

• Resale preparation 

• Ongoing village operations 

According to Ryman Healthcare, its standard Deferred Management Fee is generally calculated at 30% of the entry payment. The fee is usually payable when a resident permanently leaves the village. Ryman states that the resident's entry payment, less the applicable Deferred Management Fee and any other contractual adjustments, is refunded when a new resident settles the unit or within 12 months, whichever occurs first. 

Ryman has also introduced some newer contract options that may offer different Deferred Management Fee structures and fee arrangements for new residents. These can vary by village and contract date. 

Because retirement village contracts can be complex, prospective residents should always: 

• Read the Disclosure Statement 

• Review the Residence and Management Contract 

• Seek independent legal advice 

• Seek independent financial advice 

before signing. 

Who Is Ryman Healthcare Best Suited For? 

Ideal Resident Profiles 

Ryman Healthcare may appeal to: 

• Active retirees seeking community living 

• Downsizers wanting less home maintenance 

• Couples planning for future care needs 

• Singles seeking social connection 

• People wanting access to on-site care services 

• Residents looking for a long-term ageing-in-place solution 

Potential Considerations 

Before choosing a Ryman community, consider: 

• Whether the village location suits your lifestyle 

• The Residence and Management Contract structure 

• Deferred Management Fees and exit arrangements 

• Ongoing village fees 

• Community rules and policies 

• Availability of desired facilities 

• Future care requirements 

Comparing several operators can help determine which retirement living model best suits your circumstances. 

Find a Ryman Healthcare Community 

If you're considering retirement living, villages.com.au can help you: 

• Browse Ryman Healthcare communities 

• View available homes 

• Compare village locations 

• Review facilities and services 

• Request information packs 

• Arrange inspections 

• Compare Ryman with other retirement village operators 

Taking the time to compare communities, costs, contracts and lifestyle offerings can help you find a retirement living option that matches your goals for the next stage of life. 

View all villages and aged care facilities of Ryman Healthcare