Retirement Living
Moving home is an emotional experience at any time of life and we know you will have many questions to ask. We have produced this questions and answers section from our customers’ enquiries for your information. We would ask you to contact a member of our team if you have specific questions to ask that we have not covered in the section – your can either call us on Freephone 0800 328 8171 or email your question to us via the form on our ‘Contact Us’ page.
What is Retirement Living?
What type of facilities would I expect to see on a retirement scheme?
Is a retirement scheme right for me?
What are the duties of the Scheme Manager?
How much does it cost to live in a retirement property?
What about repairs?
Are pets allowed?
What happen if I have an accident and use the emergency call system?
Can I have family to stay?
What is Retirement Living?
Retirement Living is about living independently in a development of retirement properties, which provides a home designed exclusively for the older person. Our schemes are designed to contain additional benefits and facilities to enable you to enjoy a worry-free retirement. All have one philosophy in common: to provide a friendly, safe environment where residents comfortably retain their independence.
What type of facilities would I expect to see on a retirement scheme?
Every home is provided with the reassurance of a 24-hour emergency call system. Many developers benefit from security cameras on site you will also find that the majority of schemes have a resident Scheme Manager, laundry facilities and a communal lounge for socialising. Your home is complemented by attractive and fully maintained landscaped gardens and larger schemes are provided with a guest suite for your visitors.
Is a retirement scheme right for me?
Our retirement schemes are designed for people aged 60 years or over who wish to live independently and at their own pace. They are specifically designed to allow you to maintain your independence in a secure and friendly environment. You will find the residents lounge is the centre for a variety of social activities to suit all tastes and interests, providing you with a change of scene and a social life on your doorstep. There is no pressure to take part in anything you don’t want to. You can choose if and when you want to join in.
What are the duties of the Scheme Manager?
The Scheme Manager is the key person in the successful management of our schemes. Their responsibilities range from assisting with emergencies and dealing with your queries, to keeping an eye on your property whilst you are away.
How much does it cost to live in a retirement property?
You will receive a range of services for which you pay a monthly service charge. This covers the costs of providing a Scheme Manager and a 24-hour Emergency Call System, maintaining the communal gardens and buildings, external repairs and buildings insurance. You will be responsible for all household utility bills i.e. council tax, water rates, gas and electricity.
What about repairs?
The Management Company is responsible for all communal and structural repairs. These include items such as gutters, roofs, external doors / locks and the servicing of the boiler system (where applicable). All internal repairs are the responsibility of the resident.
Are pets allowed?
Residents must obtain written permission to keep any pet in their homes. It should be noted, however, that residents in flats are not permitted to keep dogs, cats or other pets.
What if I have an accident and use the emergency call system?
All emergency calls are responded to as a matter of priority with assistance on hand to deal with your emergency. The Scheme Manager and the Monitoring Station have details of your next of kin or doctor should they need to be contacted.
Can I have family to stay?
Your home is your own and you can invite whoever you wish to stay, however you will need permission if it is on a permanent basis. Some larger schemes have a guest suite, which is an ideal solution for providing accommodation for short stays.