The ultimate guide to life in a Retirement Living PLUS community
McCarthy & Stone’s Retirement Living PLUS offers independence combined with added support, exclusive to the over 70s. These senior assisted living communities consist of beautiful private apartments with extra services and amenities, including personal care, on hand should you ever need them.
Your top 10 questions about Retirement Living PLUS answered
1. Will I feel like part of a community at a McCarthy & Stone development?
Yes. We ensure every new homeowner receives a warm welcome. You’ll be introduced to your neighbours, so you’ll soon feel part of the community. Your calendar will be packed with events and activities from coffee mornings and film nights to art clubs, fitness classes, theatre trips and lunches out. Most of our homeowners quickly find shared interests and make many new friends.
“There’s coffee mornings, bingo, Fish ‘n’ Chip Fridays, film nights, a library and we’re going out for lunch next week. We have a party for everything. People suggest things and you can go along it you want. I see my family when I’ve got a window to fit them in!”
Wendy, tenant, Milward Place, Redditch
2. What if I’m not feeling sociable? Or want to do my own thing?
All our activities and social events are entirely optional. We don’t do ‘forced fun’ and you can enjoy the privacy of your own apartment at all times, any time, without being disturbed.
“You needn’t worry about privacy. Once you close the door to your apartment, it’s like you’re in your own little world. The great thing about independent living is the balance – the social aspect is there if you want it, but you can also enjoy your own space.”
Erika and Stephen, homeowners, Foxglove Place
3. Talking of hobbies, will I still be able to do gardening?
While some people really can’t wait to enjoy our gardens without lifting a finger, we know others are really worried about missing out on a pastime they love. The good news is, with a McCarthy & Stone home you can flex your green fingers without the more arduous chores. While the gardener does the mowing, pruning and landscaping you can potter in your development’s potting shed, plant up the raised beds, join the gardening club and more. Plus, if you choose an apartment with a patio or balcony, you can create your own private green oasis.
“I have always loved my garden and thought I would miss it terribly. I am delighted to say that I still have all of the pleasure but none of the responsibility! The grass is cut and the heavy work is carried out by our gardener. I can enjoy planting up the pots. The best of both worlds.”
Linda, Homeowner, Penny House, Olney
Learn about how gardener Adrian involves homeowners in his plans
4. Do I have to use the on-site bistro/restaurant?
No, but you might find you want to! Your apartment will have a stunning contemporary kitchen with smart ergonomic design to make cooking easier - like waist height ovens so you don’t have to bend. However, the bistro/restaurant is a tempting alternative when you want a break from making meals and clearing up. You’ll find a superb menu of subsidised and seasonal dishes and drinks on offer from our chefs - and it’s a very friendly and sociable environment too.
“The bistro is a big plus, I can just wander in there for lunch, or even a full English breakfast. Guest are allowed to join me for meals and the prices are very reasonable. There's always chit-chat going on in the lounge and hoots of laughter at times too.”
Homeowner feedback
Learn more about our bistros/restaurants
5. What does the manager do?
Stuck with something? The friendly manager is there to help. They make sure everything’s running smoothly: managing staff and services including gardening, cleaning and the maintenance of the shared areas. They’re also your point of contact if you have a question or concern - or just need a bit of support with almost anything.
6. How safe and secure is a Retirement Living PLUS property?
With monitored fire and intruder alarms and camera door entry (so you can see who people are before letting them in) McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living PLUS properties are very safe and secure. You’ll have access to a 24/7 emergency call system which gives peace of mind to homeowners and their families. Plus, these developments have staff on site continuously day and night, so there’s always someone available to help if you need them.
All our on-site staff are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certified, carefully chosen and highly trained, so we know they have your best interests at heart.
“I know my parents are well looked after, which has given the family great peace of mind. The staff go above and beyond to support the homeowners and make sure they’re comfortable. The House Manager is wonderful.”
Christine with her parents, homeowners, Julie and Alan, Waveney Place, Harleston
7. What happens if I need a bit more support, now or in the future?
Whether you need help with shopping or shaving, Retirement Living PLUS communities have a friendly domestic and personal care team on-site, so support is there if you need it. You can also change the level of your services - even for a short time, say if you are ill, and you only pay for what you use. Read more about the support we offer.
We can help with things like:
- Bathing, showering and continence support
- Getting dressed
- Help with medication
- Shaving and grooming/ hair and makeup
- Going out to medical appointments
- Shopping or trips out
- Life admin and using technology
- Much more - just ask!
“It gives us a real sense of security, especially with staff on-site at all times. Moving in has allowed us to futureproof our retirement, as we can opt-in to tailored domestic support and personal care packages should we need to.”
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House, Weybridge
8. Do I have to have domestic support if I don’t need it?
An hour of domestic support, for example, cleaning is included in your service charge. You don’t pay any extra for it so you may as well make the most of it! But the choice is yours. Other domestic services are completely optional and you only pay for what you use.
We offer:
- Extra cleaning/deep cleaning
- Defrosting your freezer
- Changing bedding
- Meal planning and preparation
- Food delivered from the bistro/restaurant
- Laundry services including, washing, ironing and putting away
9. I need to be able to bring my pet. Is that possible?
Yes, with a few exceptions, you can bring your pet to live in your retirement apartment, including retirement rentals, and we love seeing pets out and about in our communities, as long as they are well-behaved and you are mindful of the needs of pet-free people. Read our pet policy.
“It’s lovely that we’re able to have pets here. When I first visited, the first question I asked was whether I could bring Cody. It’s nice to be part of a community which shares my love of animals.”
Sue (and Cody), homeowner, Bluebell House, Milton Keynes
10. What do you think the main benefits of a Retirement Living PLUS Development are?
Apart from a beautiful new apartment, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and independence combined with the peace of mind of the right level of support to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
The shared amenities are fantastic for relaxing in or for forging new friendships. They vary but can include wellness suites, hobby rooms, fitness rooms and libraries as well as gardens, lounges, the restaurant/bistro and guest suite. With fewer chores and maintenance worries, you’ll have more time to pursue your passions and hobbies from painting to golf - and our communities are always built in fantastic locations close to shops and cafes etc.. too.
Read about the five most popular hobbies for retirees.
“We have many friends who live locally, along with various facilities, such as a golf course and leisure centre for swimming, that we use and are within close distance of the development. It’s one of the main reasons we were first attracted to Campbell House, as it meant not having to sacrifice our social life.”
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House, Weybridge
Find a fulfilling retirement with McCarthy & Stone
From independent living retirement property for over 60s, to assisted living at our Retirement Living PLUS apartments for over 70s, our lovely properties in stunning locations are thoughtfully designed so you can make the most of your retirement whether you’re just over 60 or heading for 100 - and you’ll have a lively community of new neighbours on the doorstep too.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
