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What is sheltered housing?
‘Sheltered housing’ refers to private properties with on-site support. McCarthy & Stone developments are a type of sheltered accommodation (sort of!).
Sheltered housing explained
Many retirement communities are described as ‘sheltered housing’ or ‘sheltered accommodation,’ but what does that mean? Our guide explains what sheltered housing is and how it compares with life in our retirement communities.
Sheltered housing means a development consisting of purpose built homes that are designed to be simple to look after as you get older. They may offer access to shared spaces and you’ll usually benefit from the support of a manager and a close-knit community. You can carry on with your life, on your terms, but with fewer worries and more time for the things you enjoy.
What are the benefits of sheltered housing?
There are many reasons why someone may decide to live in sheltered accommodation. These include:
- Life on your terms: you can live life your way in an easier to look after home
- Added reassurance: with a manager and emergency call system
- Friendly neighbours: you’ll be surrounded by a welcoming community
- Reduced upkeep: downsizing means less maintenance and any shared spaces are looked after for you
- Extra security: fire and intruder alarms and on-site managers/wardens offer peace of mind
Sheltered housing vs retirement living
With sheltered housing you’ll usually live in a self-contained property, often a retirement bungalow or apartment with a warden. They handle the maintenance and repairs of shared spaces as well as being a point of contact if you have an issue. Should you need urgent help, there’s a 24-hour emergency call system available, too.
Retirement living is similar but tends to offer a bit more in terms of amenities and services. At our Retirement Living and Retirement Living Plus developments, you’ll enjoy your own beautiful home, as well as access to support – including a manager – and shared amenities. The combination of freedom, lifestyle services and the social opportunities provided by being part of a community makes retirement living really special.
How does McCarthy & Stone retirement housing compare to sheltered accommodation?
We offer two types of development that are similar to sheltered accommodation but with differing levels of support and services.
Retirement Living
Easy independent living for people aged 60 and over. You’ll be looked after by a House Manager and enjoy shared amenities and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living Plus
Independence combined with flexible assisted living for people aged 70 and over. Benefits include a chef-run bistro and optional Lifestyle Services from laundry to pet-sitting.
What do McCarthy & Stone retirement living developments offer?
For almost 50 years, McCarthy & Stone has been the UK’s leading developer and manager of award-winning apartments and bungalows for the over 55s. Our approach is simple. Life doesn’t need to change as you get older – it should just become easier, so you can concentrate on doing the things you love.
Available for sale, rent, or Shared Ownership, our thoughtfully-designed retirement properties can be found in desirable locations across the UK.
Is retirement living right for me?
The best way to understand retirement living is to experience it for yourself. Visiting a development offers a real sense of the lifestyle, the community and the feeling of being at home.
Browse our retirement communities near you, contact us or call our lovely team on 0800 201 4811.
FAQs about sheltered housing in retirement
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