Retirement complexes UK | The benefits
If you have been searching for retirement complexes UK, you might be at that stage in life when you are starting to think about downsizing. Perhaps you are retired, and you are looking at ways to enhance your lifestyle. Maybe you want to spend more time with friends/family, or pursuing the hobbies that you love, and you no-longer want to be spending time and money on the upkeep of a bigger, and older house. Or maybe you are seeking a retirement complex for a parent or loved one – researching what is out there and whether it may suit their needs.
So what are the benefits of retirement complexes in the UK? And what’s currently available? In this month’s ‘Your questions answered’ by Ian Holloway, Project Director here at Burnham Waters in Essex, Ian explores some of the many benefits that moving into a retirement complex can deliver. He also explores our new retirement complex in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex and provides some insight into what we are striving to achieve here.
If you are seeking a new, relaxed way of life, then a retirement complex could be for you. Across the country there are a variety of retirement villages and communities, all offering different facilities and different levels of care. Whether you are seeking independent living, you want a house or bungalow on a development, or you are looking for an apartment, which offers assisted living, there is lots of choice. So where to start?
Here are a few of my top tips on choosing the right retirement housing for you.
How to choose the right retirement housing for you: five things to consider
1. The Location
Firstly, where in the country do you want to live? Do you want to stay in the area you live now? Do you need to be close to family, friends, or support networks? Do you want a quiet rural setting, or do you want to be part of a lively town? There’s lots to consider but this is the first big decision that you need to make, as it will define your search area.
2. The Lifestyle
What sort of lifestyle are you seeking? Do you want organised social events and communal spaces, or do you prefer privacy and independence? It is often worth making several visits to your shortlisted homes or complexes, perhaps at different times of the day to get a feel for the atmosphere. There might also be an opportunity to meet with existing residents; so you can ask them first-hand what life is really like there.
3. The Future
You might be very mobile and active now, but you will need your property to support you in the future. You may want to consider things such as single level living or properties with lifts. Wide doorways and step-free access can make life easier later on too.
4. Safety & Security
It will be important that you find a home where you feel safe and secure. Look for features like secure entry systems, fire safety measures, and on-site staff or wardens. Good lighting and well-kept surroundings matter too. Does it feel like a community where people look out for each other? There are lots of factors to consider.
5. The Outside
Do you want a garden or patio of your own, or are you looking for somewhere with communal spaces, which you can enjoy, without worrying about the upkeep? For many downsizers, the thought of totally losing all of their outside space can be challenging, but there are complexes that offer private outdoor spaces, and some even have allotments. Explore what’s on offer.
Once you have considered the various options available to you, for many a retirement complex might offer exactly what you need. At Burnham Waters in Essex, we offer a variety of new one, two and three-bedroom retirement bungalows, each with their own private outdoor space, and each with access to a host of leisure facilities and local amenities, all on site. We believe that we can offer our residents access to the best of both worlds – privacy and independence, but with a vibrant community and access to a host of facilities and care services, all on tap!
What are the benefits of retirement complexes in the UK?
We believe that there are many benefits to choosing a retirement complex as your next home.
Independence
Downsizing to a retirement complex, does not mean giving up your independence. Many retirement complexes, such as Burnham Waters in Essex, offer beautiful new homes, and total independence. Your own home with your own front door and your own private space to enjoy.
Community
One of the major draws for many considering a retirement complex is that you instantly become part of a new, like-minded community. With many schemes designed for the over 55s/over 60s, you will meet new neighbours and friends, all at the same stage of life. With many complexes offering access to communal spaces and facilities on site, it’s a great way to meet new people, and to become immersed in a new and supportive community.
Local amenities and leisure facilities
Many retirement complexes have onsite amenities, making popping out for a pint of milk, or accessing leisure facilities easy and accessible. At Burnham Waters we will deliver a new village centre, with plans for a bakers, fish and chip shop, a beautician, a café and a grocery store. We will also be delivering a suite of leisure facilities, to include a gym and fitness suite, a swimming pool, tennis court and organised classes. All designed to help our residents stay active, healthy and happy for years to come.
Access to care packages and support
Whether you need access to care straight away, or you are just trying to plan for every eventuality in the future, it is comforting to know that many retirement complexes in the UK offer access to care and support packages, should you ever need them. At Burnham Waters, our new retirement complex in Essex, we will be delivering a brand new GP surgery and medical centre as part of the development. For those who require additional care at home, we also offer access to a variety of care packages, which can be tailored to suit individual needs.
So…do you think a retirement complex could be for you? If we have successfully convinced you of the many benefits they can offer, we wish you lots of luck with your search.
If you are looking for a retirement complex in Essex, then we’d love to welcome you into our new community here at Burnham Waters. We have show homes available to view and homes ready to move in to. Want to find out more about our new one, two and three-bedroom retirement bungalows? Our friendly sales team are available daily 10am -3pm to show you around and to answer any questions you may have. Why not book and appointment to come and see all that we have on offer here at Burnham Waters.
