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What is independent living?
Independent living refers to specialist retirement housing that enables people over 60 to live independently with confidence. Discover independent living for seniors at McCarthy & Stone.
How does independent retirement living work?
Even as we enter our retirement years, many of us are active, able-bodied, and keen to continue living independently for as long as possible. This is where independent senior living comes in, allowing you to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle in a comfortable, secure, and sociable setting.
Independent housing provides you with a private home of your own, the autonomy to live as you wish – but with reliable support and services on hand if you need it. Your home will be located in a welcoming community, and you’ll have neighbours in their own independent living homes nearby to socialise with. Many communities also offer access to communal areas, recreational activities, clubs, and social events, so you can easily maintain a fulfilling way of life.
Many independent living facilities are designed with adaptations to make everyday living even easier. Unlike standard homes - which usually require regular updates to support changing needs - our retirement properties are ergonomically designed to cater to your needs now, and in the years to come. For example, easy-turn taps mean no more struggling with fiddly fittings; wider doorways mean you can adopt mobility aids in the future without worrying about space; and walk-in showers reduce the risk of falls associated with climbing in and out of bathtubs.
What is the difference between independent and assisted living?
While ‘independent living’ and ‘assisted living’ are often used interchangeably, the two terms have very different meanings. The main distinction comes from the level of support that assisted living provides, compared to independent living.
Independent living
Support is available at our Retirement Living developments. These developments have a house manager on-site five days a week and a 24-hour emergency call-out system for complete peace of mind. You’re responsible for maintaining your own home and living independently, though some support is available if you need it.
Assisted living
S upport is available at our Retirement Living Plus developments, which offer the benefits of independent living – plus more. We also offer additional services which may be useful if you have health concerns now or in the future - or just want to spend less time on chores. For example, you might get support with cleaning, laundry, shopping, and medication management, so you can relax knowing that essential tasks are looked after. You can also visit a subsidised bistro on-site, so you can eat out as often as you please.
| Independent living | Assisted living | |
|---|---|---|
| Own private home | Included | Included |
| House manager on-site | Included | Included |
| Safety features such as 24-hour emergency call-out system | Included | Included |
| Domestic support such as cleaning, laundry and shopping | Not included | Included |
| Personal care such as bathing, dressing and medication | Not included | Included |
| Available at Retirement Living developments | Included | Included |
| McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living Plus developments | Not included | Included |
Retirement property types
Our new retirement villages and developments are made up of elegant apartments and bungalows. All of our retirement properties feature thoughtful home adaptations to assist you as you age. These features are carried on throughout our communal spaces, such as lifts and wide doors for accessibility, and spacious landscaped gardens that are easy to get around. Whether you choose a retirement apartment or bungalow, your new home is designed to meet your needs now and in the future.
Our upcoming developments are conveniently placed in locations all over the UK, from big cities to small towns and villages, so you can find the perfect setting for retirement.
Retirement apartments
Designed to be a joy to live in, our sought-after one and two-bed retirement apartments are available for sale, rent or Shared Ownership.
Enjoy your own space with a contemporary fitted kitchen, spacious living room and sleek shower room. Some retirement apartments also offer private balconies or patios.
Retirement bungalows
With a single-story open-play layout, our popular retirement bungalows lend themselves to easy living.
Most of our retirement bungalows include a private garden and parking space. Many include garages. Some are part of a retirement village so you can enjoy extra amenities and a local community too.
Discover senior independent living with McCarthy & Stone
If becoming part of an independent living community with McCarthy & Stone sounds right for you, search for an over 60s retirement home in your area now.
From an easy move to a variety of occupancy options, we’ve thought of everything to make the transition into your new home as seamless as possible.
We’d love to hear from you if you want to find out more. Speak to our friendly team either by sending us a message online, or giving us a call on 0800 201 4811. Alternatively, visit our FAQs for more information.
Discover our retirement living communities
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.
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