Retirement housing is usually specifically built with the
older person in mind and usually on one level, like a bungalow
or flat. This allows you to continue to be as independent
as possible. There are two main types of retirement housing,
sheltered accommodation and assisted living.
Assisted living means living separately in your own home
that is usually situated in the grounds of a residential
care home. You can use the care home’s facilities,
like the lounge and may opt to use additional services like
cooking or laundry. This is a good choice if you are a couple
who need dissimilar levels of care. You may even decide to
move into the care home later. Your own home will have emergency
pull cords connected to the care home and a carer is available
if you need one.
Sheltered housing usually has a communal entrance and amenities
such as lounge, guest rooms, laundry, but you live separately
in your own home that has a lounge, bedroom, kitchen and
bathroom. There is usually a resident manager and pull cords
for emergency contact.
Choosing a retirement home is similar to choosing any other
place to live and it isn’t long before you know whether
it feels right, or not. Many decide to buy a retirement home,
whilst others rent.
There are many places to find information regarding retirement
housing. It’s always a good idea to ask friends and
relations to see if they have any recommendations or if they
know of any new developments in their area. Look in your
local newspapers or ask estate agents. The Association of
Retirement Housing Managers will provide you with a list
of its members and you will also find the Elderly Accommodation
Counsel very helpful. They offer advice on all types of housing
for the elderly.
Once you have found your ideal retirement home, you then
need to consider the cost of buying, moving, legal fees etc.
then the ongoing costs, such as rent, service charges etc.
Make sure you verify that the development is operated by
a company with a good reputation for retirement housing,
and check to see if it is a member of the Association of
Retirement Housing Managers, as they abide by a code of practice.
If it is leasehold, get your solicitor to take a look at
the lease, its conditions and explain anything that you do
not fully understand. Also talk to any other professional
advisers that you have, e.g. accountant and bank manager.
The most important consideration is, what would happen if
you required more care in the future. If it is assisted living
are you able to move into the care home if you need, and
if it is a retirement property, would you be able to get
help if you need it?
