Retirement Living

In the past few years retirement living has changed beyond recognition from its ‘pipe and slippers’ stereotype.

These days there’s a wide range of smart and modern housing options available, each geared towards specific stages of retirement.

The first stage is known as Independent Living – which offers just what it says on the tin. It’s a collection of houses and apartments for the over-55s which allow residents to be totally self-sufficient.

And because these homes are generally part of retirement villages, occupants can integrate into a like-minded community and enjoy regular events ranging from book clubs and debating groups, to wine tasting and manicures.

Many homes within retirement villages are new-builds or newly-converted meaning they come with energy-efficient features such as triple-glazed windows, cavity wall insulation and modern fitted appliances – all of which help to keep down the cost of monthly bills.

Retirement villages estate managers are also employed to take care of general maintenance and security, allowing homeowners to focus solely on the ‘good bits’ of life.

Properties within retirement villages tend to be sold on a long leasehold basis and part-exchange plans for your existing home may also be available. Monthly service charges vary according to location, property type and facilities. Make sure you always seek independent financial advice.

The choice of retirement homes and villages is growing all the time so there’s plenty of shopping around to do before making your move. Especially when buying in a new development, make sure you find out how many of the units have already sold before moving in.

When it comes to day-to-day retirement living, your needs can change gradually over time. But now there’s more housing options available than ever, each of them geared towards specific stages of retirement.

One of these stages is known as Assisted Living – which offers just what it says on the tin. It’s a collection of private apartments for the over-70s centred around communal facilities ranging from restaurants to music rooms and lounges to spas.

Apartments within these developments are kitted out with convenient features including waist-height plug sockets, lever taps for ease of use and space for wheelchair access. You’ll also be able to subscribe to an appropriate care package which could range from help with laundry through to more personal care.

You can upgrade care packages according to your changing needs. But Assisted Living equally allows you to remain as self-sufficient as possible for as long your health permits.

Many Assisted Living homes are new-builds or newly-converted meaning they come with energy-efficient features such as triple-glazed windows, cavity wall insulation and modern fitted appliances – all of which help to keep down the cost of monthly bills. The 10-year NHBC warranty may also still apply.

Assisted Living properties tend to be sold on a long leasehold basis and part-exchange plans for your own home may also be available. Care package fees and monthly service charges vary considerably so always seek independent financial advice.

The choice of Assisted Living homes is expanding all the time so it’s important to compare options thoroughly. Especially when buying in a new development, find out how many of the units have already sold before moving in.

Modern-day retirement homes have changed beyond recognition from their old stereotype of slippers, loud televisions and over-boiled vegetables.

These days, there’s a diverse range of highly desirable options available – an increasing number of which fall into the Luxury Retirement Homes category.

So what exactly constitutes a Luxury Retirement Home? The term firstly refers to the type of building – often newly-built or newly-converted with spacious modern communal areas and set within extensive landscaped grounds.

The private apartments for sale within these buildings are generous in size and combine features such as walk-in wardrobes, top-of-the-range kitchen appliances, Sky TV, wi-fi and even a private patio or Juliet balcony.

Your apartment may also come with a private parking space and independent guest accommodation.

Food and services within a Luxury Retirement Home will also be top-notch. Think restaurant-standard menus, fresh laundry delivered to your room and a 24-hour concierge.

As well as the standard book clubs and debating groups, Luxury Retirement Homes may also schedule weekly events such as wine-tasting, manicures and even cocktail parties with live entertainment.

Apartments in a Luxury Retirement Home, which tend to be sold on a long leasehold basis, will obviously come with a price tag to match, while ongoing monthly service charges are also considerably pricier. Make sure you always seek independent financial advice.

And, especially when buying in a brand new Luxury Retirement Home development, be sure to find out how many of the units have already sold before moving in.

Care homes offer 24-hour care from trained staff who can provide assistance with day-to-day needs such as bathing, personal grooming and taking medication.

While finding a care home for an elderly relative can seem like a daunting task, the good news is this kind of retirement accommodation has undergone major improvements in recent years which will make the job much easier.

Personal care plans – as well as dietary requirements, hobbies and even bedtime preferences – can all now be tailored to each resident.

These days there’s also a wide range of smart and modern homes available – many of which are new-builds or impressive conversions with eco-friendly appliances, landscaped gardens and state-of-the-art technology.

Modern care homes offer a wide range of clubs, activities and group outings to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Private rooms and apartments within care homes vary in terms of size and facilities but are generally rented and not available for purchase.

You’ll still need to shop around for the right personal living quarters, communal environment and care package for you or your loved one.

Fees for care homes vary considerably, ranging between £500 and £1,200 a week. You may qualify for a financial contribution from your local authority so always check this first – you can start researching at the NHS website.

It’s worth noting that care homes are different to nursing homes, which offer round-the-clock trained nurses for residents with existing conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease.