What does assisted living mean?
Assisted living, also known as extra-care, is private housing that allows you to retain your independence while providing support should you need it. If you’re looking for a retirement community that provides the option of additional support with everyday tasks, assisted living could be right for you.
Assisted living usually includes services that make chores such as meal preparation, cleaning, shopping and laundry optional. Personal care services may also be available, including bathing, dressing, and medication management. The knowledgeable and caring staff in assisted living communities can create bespoke plans to help you with your day-to-day activities, but in McCarthy Stone communities this is non-compulsory and you only pay for what you use. Assisted living housing the ideal choice for those who want to retain their independence in their own home but need an extra helping hand in doing so. They are also ideal if you want to ‘future proof’ your later life, and because our properties are specially designed to make life easier as you get older you potentially will live a healthier life for longer. An assisted living development will not be right if you require around-the-clock nursing care.
What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?
Often, ‘assisted living’ and ‘independent living’ are used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings.
Assisted living housing, such as the homes in our Retirement Living PLUS developments, are designed to provide retirees with everything they need, all in one place. This includes a range of independent lifestyle support services such as domestic and personal care.
Assisted living facilities often provide on-site amenities, such as a bistro or restaurant. In some cases, they include a wellness suite, beauty salon, or hairdresser, too.
In contrast, independent living enables retirees to live independently within a safe, secure, and comfortable community - like our Retirement Living developments. Independent living is the ideal option for those who want to enjoy the social aspect of a retirement community as well as the peace of mind of additional safety and security but don’t want assistance with everyday life.
Discover what assisted living means with McCarthy Stone
Assisted living communities, like our Retirement Living PLUS developments, are designed to provide a helping hand with tasks as and when it’s needed.
Exclusive to those aged 70 and over, you’ll enjoy your own self-contained retirement apartment with access to communal spaces including a large garden in which to socialise.
5 benefits of assisted living communities with McCarthy Stone
Our Retirement Living PLUS developments offer a range of benefits to make everyday living easier. Here’s five of the best:
1. Caring team on-site
There’s a manager on-site, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and lots of other friendly staff too. From posting your parcels to collecting your prescriptions, or delivering your meals if you’re feeling unwell, there’s always someone on hand to help.
2. Flexible care and support
Our Retirement Living PLUS developments include one hour of domestic care and support services per week as standard. Should you need additional assistance, we can tailor the level of care and support you receive. That means you’ll only ever pay for what you need when you need it.
3. On-site bistro
All of our Retirement Living PLUS developments feature a chef-run bistro or restaurant. So, whether you don’t feel like cooking or just want to indulge in a delicious meal with friends, you don’t have to go out to eat out.
4. 24-hour emergency call-out
Every McCarthy Stone development is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call-out system, as well as sophisticated fire and intruder alarms. Should an emergency arise, you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing that someone is ready to help, day or night.
5. Spaces for socialising
As well as your own retirement home, you’ll also have access to shared spaces on-site. Whether you choose to catch up over a coffee in the communal lounge, soak up some sun in the garden, or grab a bite to eat in the bistro, there are many ways to socialise at our developments as well as variety of clubs and activities on offer.
How can I find assisted living for seniors?
With locations across the UK, McCarthy Stone makes it easy to find an assisted living community near you.
Plus, with retirement properties available to buy, rent, or Shared Ownership, you can enjoy assisted living in a way that is in tune with your finances.
Choose assisted living with McCarthy Stone
If you think assisted living sounds like a good fit, search for your ideal Retirement Living PLUS property today.
Alternatively, if independent living has piqued your interest, learn more about our Retirement Living developments.
Should you have any questions about our retirement homes, contact our friendly team today on 0800 201 4811 or send us a message online.
Discover our retirement communities
Retirement Living
Luxurious, low-maintenance independent living retirement apartments for the over 60s, with an on-site manager Monday-Friday for added peace of mind.
Retirement Living PLUS
Exclusive to over 70s, these assisted living developments offer everything you’d find in a Retirement Living development but with extras, like tailored support and a bistro.