Choosing Ryman means embracing retirement living, your way. In our villages, you’ll find the perfect blend of independence and community, with premium amenities, award-winning services, and a range of care options. Discover a retirement filled with opportunity and a lifestyle that brings you joy. 

Located in the coastal paradise of Ocean Grove, Deborah Cheetham Village provides an idyllic retirement lifestyle with everything you need at your doorstop. Enjoy a lifestyle where you can take off on holiday knowing your home is safe and secure with lawns mowed, windows washed, and mail collected while you’re away. 

Independent and assisted living

Our residents live in spaces created to inspire, indulge and entertain. Apartments are designed with easy living in mind, while assisted living apartments offer the benefits of independent living with added support to make life easier, including housekeeping and delicious chef-prepared meals.

Soak up the peace and quiet in your own sanctuary, or make the most of the village amenities by playing a game of bowls with friends or taking a dip in the pool.

When you feel like being social, it’s easy to grab a coffee in the village café or catch up with friends at our weekly Happy Hour.

Connection is woven into the fabric of our communities, and social networks grow as residents form friendships with like-minded people. Our team see our residents as family and enjoy sharing a story and a laugh. You’ll find your people in a Ryman village.

Aged Care

Along with independent and assisted living, Deborah Cheetham Village offers a range of aged care options to support you. These include residential aged care (low care and high care), specialist dementia care, and respite care. 

It’s something to be experienced so we invite you to visit and talk to our team. Better still, talk to our residents and their families – they’re the experts!

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