Starting a new chapter
As we get older, our homes should change with us. The good news is there’s a wide range of options to suit different needs, preferences and budgets. This guide is here to help you make a confident, informed decision about what feels right for you.
Choosing the right property for your needs
Perhaps you are looking for something smaller that is easier to look after and cheaper to run? Maybe you want to relocate to another area of the country to be closer to family and friends or proximity to a town centre and shops? You might also be looking for an element of care or support or simply an opportunity to become part of a community and make new friends.
Here are the main property options to look out for:
Please note: The RHG represents retirement housing providers. It does not specifically represent care homes, which are noted below.
Retirement Living
These are often referred to as housing with support, sheltered housing, retirement apartments or communities. Retirement Living homes usually have facilities you don’t find in independent accommodation, including:
- A full-time on-site and dedicated manager
- Emergency call system and secure entry
- A residents’ lounge and laundry
- Guest facilities
- Landscaped gardens and grounds
- An age restriction for residents (usually 60+)
- All properties built to higher accessibility standards
You can expect to pay for the extra facilities and services through a service charge on top of the purchase price or rent. Always make sure you see clear details of charges before committing yourself.
Housing with care
Housing with care schemes are also known as integrated retirement communities, assisted living or independent living. Larger schemes are called “Retirement Villages”. Facilities will include those available in retirement living, plus others such as:
- 24-hour on-site staff, with optional care or domiciliary services
- A restaurant or café
- Communal lounges
- Social spaces and leisure activities including gyms, swimming pools and exercise classes
- Regulated care
Service charges are likely to be higher than in retirement living but this reflects the more extensive range of facilities. Other charges, such as ground rents, may also be payable in all forms of retirement housing.
Care homes
Also known as nursing homes or old people’s homes, care homes typically include the following, alongside other facilities:
- Communal residential living with residents occupying individual rooms, often with en-suite bathroom
- 24-hour care and support
- Meals included
- Typical facilities include communal lounges, activities and private gardens
- Size varies considerably
Retirement Living
These are often referred to as housing with support, sheltered housing, retirement apartments or communities. Retirement Living homes usually have facilities you don’t find in independent accommodation, including:
- A full-time on-site and dedicated manager
- Emergency call system and secure entry
- A residents’ lounge and laundry
- Guest facilities
- Landscaped gardens and grounds
- An age restriction for residents (usually 60+)
- All properties built to higher accessibility standards
You can expect to pay for the extra facilities and services through a service charge on top of the purchase price or rent. Always make sure you see clear details of charges before committing yourself.
Housing with care
Housing with care schemes are also known as integrated retirement communities, assisted living or independent living. Larger schemes are called “Retirement Villages”. Facilities will include those available in retirement living, plus others such as:
- 24-hour on-site staff, with optional care or domiciliary services
- A restaurant or café
- Communal lounges
- Social spaces and leisure activities including gyms, swimming pools and exercise classes
- Regulated care
Service charges are likely to be higher than in retirement living but this reflects the more extensive range of facilities. Other charges, such as ground rents, may also be payable in all forms of retirement housing.
Care homes
Also known as nursing homes or old people’s homes, care homes typically include the following, alongside other facilities:
- Communal residential living with residents occupying individual rooms, often with en-suite bathroom
- 24-hour care and support
- Meals included
- Typical facilities include communal lounges, activities and private gardens
- Size varies considerably