What Retirement Living PLUS is Really Like
A Retirement Living PLUS property could be perfect for your retirement. Here, McCarthy Stone explain what Retirement Living PLUS is really like by answering some key questions and by speaking with our residents.
McCarthy Stone Retirement Living PLUS properties (formerly known as Assisted Living properties) allow residents to live independently with support to suit their needs.
We also want to make sure that we can help those in retirement to make the right choice for their future. So, to help, we’ve put together this guide to show you what McCarthy Stone Retirement Living PLUS properties are really like, if you’re considering this as an option.
Key Questions Asked about Retirement Living PLUS
To start, we’ve answered some of the key questions we get asked about this product.
What are the main responsibilities of the Estate Manager?
Our Estate Managers take care of the development and the staff. It’s their job to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
As well as making sure all the staff are aware of what they should be doing at any given time, the Estate Manager is also a point of contact for residents who may have questions or concerns.
They also help residents with their daily needs and are a friendly face for them around the developments – they help to make our residents’ lives that little bit easier without ever infringing on their privacy.
What activities are available to McCarthy Stone Retirement Living PLUS residents?
At our developments, we always try to make sure things are as sociable as possible so we can enrich the quality of life.
To make this possible, all our developments try to organise and host as many events and activities in the communal areas as possible. This includes things like regular coffee mornings, film nights and art classes.
Do residents feel part of a community at a McCarthy Stone development?
We place a big emphasis on creating a community feel at our developments and the activities are a big part of this. Many of our residents quickly make new friends after moving into our properties and we take great pride in this.
However, we also allow our residents to maintain their independence. This means that all of our events and activities are entirely optional, so if a resident would rather spend their time in their own apartment then they can. Every resident can spend their retirement doing the things that they love.
Who is responsible for the garden’s upkeep?
Residents never have to lift a finger when it comes to the gardening. This is handled by expert teams who ensure that the landscaped gardens always look perfectly manicured.
When is the ‘Emergency Call Service’ available?
The emergency call service is available 24/7 for peace of mind. Many RLP developments also have a 24-hour site presence, so residents can get the help and support they need, no matter when they need it.
What household chores will McCarthy Stone take care of?
The variety of the services that can be provided is one of the key benefits of choosing a Retirement Living PLUS property. Residents can receive one hour of care each week included within their service charge, but this can be increased if required.
Plus, if you increase the amount of care you need and your circumstances change, you can lower the amount again. You only pay for what you need, when you need it.
You also get a choice in the care you receive, and each package is tailored to your needs. Whether you want the teams at your development to do the cleaning, grocery shopping or simply run some errands, it’s your choice. Popular services we provide include bathroom assistance, support with dressing, medication assistance and housekeeping.
Can residents who would rather maintain independence be responsible for their own property’s upkeep?
Some of our residents are more than happy to maintain their own property. After all, it’s their home, so they’re more than welcome to.
The assistance they receive is tailored to each resident. So, if a resident doesn’t need any help with the housekeeping, they can use this time for help with groceries, medication or even exercising.
What safety and security features are in place in a Retirement Living PLUS property?
McCarthy Stone Retirement Living PLUS properties are located within safe communities. The 24/7 emergency call system is loved by residents and their families because it provides extra peace of mind. Plus, because the developments are continually staffed, there’s always someone available to help close by.
Every member of staff also has a certificate from the DBS (the Disclosure and Barring Service) and we invest heavily in their training to make sure our staff have all the skills they need to provide a fantastic service.
What do you think the main benefits of a Retirement Living PLUS Development are?
We offer extra support if and when it’s needed, and our tailored packages mean our residents only pay for what they need. Everything our teams aim to do is to help our residents keep their independence.
What Our Residents Think
In addition to answering these key questions, we’ve also spoken to some of our residents currently living in McCarthy Stone Retirement Living PLUS properties, to get their thoughts and opinions about their homes and the services provided.
Here’s what a few residents had to say:
Mary Jones – Lambrook Court
“There is a great community and plenty of different activities to get involved in, such as coffee mornings, film nights and even exercise classes. By having your own apartment, you can choose when you want to spend time with others and be part of activities – and when you want time to yourself.”
“All of the staff at Lambrook Court are marvelous and I really couldn’t fault them. Our Estates Manager is very helpful, kind and I know she is available to help me if I ever need it. The development is very friendly and has a nice atmosphere. I certainly feel well looked after.”
Jim Knight – Williamson Court
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have made me feel so welcome and made the whole process of downsizing very simple. They are always on hand to help and whether I need to arrange a medical appointment or order shopping, they’re willing to go that extra mile. I now have the flexibility to be able to live by myself and socialise without having to worry about whether I fall over or don’t feel well. It has been a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.”
Find Out More About Retirement Living PLUS
If you’re interested in seeing how a Retirement Living PLUS property can enrich your quality of life and help you combat loneliness in retirement, then please contact us.
If you don’t feel like you need all the support offered in a Retirement Living PLUS community, you can also take a look at our other products.
