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January 2024

Discover Your Ideal Retirement Home

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Selecting the right retirement community or accommodation with support is a profound decision, not just for older people but for their families as well. This guide will navigate through the key steps and considerations in locating an ideal retirement home that aligns with individual preferences and needs. 

Whether you're seeking the best for your elderly parents, someone considering various elderly care options, or simply planning ahead as you approach later life, this comprehensive guide will support you in finding a fulfilling retirement living experience.

Retirement homes near me

Independent retirement living

Living an independent lifestyle in retirement is not only desirable but also fundamental for many older people. The ability to manage one’s daily life, make decisions, and engage in activities of choice leads to a more satisfying and dignified life. 

Retirement communities are designed with this autonomy in mind, providing the right mix of privacy and support to encourage independence.

Opting for retirement homes that value self-sufficiency ensures you can maintain a personal routine and hobbies, while also having the security of professional help at hand should it become necessary. This balance grants residents peace of mind, knowing they can enjoy their independence in a safe and supportive environment. 
Remaining independent is at the heart of these communities, with the goal of enabling older people to live life on their terms, surrounded by peers and with access to care that evolves with their needs.

Choosing a retirement home is not just about finding a new place to live; it's about discovering a community where you can thrive during your later years. This guide provides an essential roadmap for finding the right retirement living option for you.

What types of retirement living options are available?

Retirement living comes in various forms, each offering different levels of independence and care to suit individual lifestyles and health needs. 

Residential care homes with private suites 

Private suites retirement living in Hamberley Care Homes

For those requiring expert care and assistance,  private suites at Hamberley care homes might be ideal, especially for couples, providing tailored care within a luxury setting, ensuring dignity and comfort while also supporting the varying levels of care needs that might arise. 

Living in Hamberley Care Homes private suites is a ticket to a life of enhanced well-being and social connection, without the pressures that come with maintaining your own property. Residents benefit from the privacy and comfort of their own suite, coupled with the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 access to professional care. 

Hamberley Care Homes are beautiful and secure environments with stunning landscaped gardens located across the UK.  People live within a friendly community, with support to remain independent with extra support when required. 

For those interested in an active social life and community involvement, our homes have a full calendar of events. These can include wellness workshops, exercise classes, and social gatherings that promote a sense of belonging and an opportunity to forge new friendships. Our homes are ideally situated close to local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it convenient for residents to enjoy outings and maintain a vibrant lifestyle.

The all-inclusive nature means that residents can enjoy a range of activities designed to nourish the mind and soul. Living in our community homes promotes the development of deep friendships, ensuring that residents have access to a strong support system that can significantly improve their day-to-day happiness.
Hamberley Care Homes also offers flexible options for future care planning, with the opportunity to transition to higher levels of care and support within the same home, ensuring a continuity of comfort and familiarity. 

Explore our Private Suites, each with one bedroom, a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, en suite bathroom and full access to social events, communal lounge, cinema, wellbeing salon, and all the other benefits of our luxury homes. 

 

retirement homes in the UK

Retirement properties

Retirement properties provide the privacy of your own home with added security and often a community atmosphere. Retirement living schemes usually consist of a collection of retirement apartments within a complex, offering communal facilities such as lounges, gardens, and activity rooms.

One and two bedroom apartments are designed for ease of use, accessibility, and low maintenance, allowing older people to live independently while often having access to shared amenities.

Retirement properties in the UK cater to various preferences, ensuring that residents can choose a lifestyle that best fits their individual needs. Additional benefits of a retirement property include enhanced security features, such as secure door entry systems and round-the-clock emergency call systems, providing residents and their families with peace of mind. Many properties offer on-site management to address any concerns swiftly. 

The maintenance of common areas and external parts of the property is taken care of, relieving homeowners from the burdens of extensive upkeep. Another notable perk is the potential for energy savings due to modern building standards ensuring better insulation and efficient heating systems, creating a sustainable and cost-effective living solution.  

Retirement Villages

Retirement villages create a larger community environment, where residents can take advantage of a wider range of facilities akin to a small town, such as shops, restaurants, and healthcare centres.  

Retirement villages not only enhance social interaction among residents through planned events and social clubs but also encourage an active lifestyle with facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and walking trails. Retirement villages often integrate a variety of cultural, educational, and leisure activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that caters to diverse interests. 

Life in a retirement village can provide a close-knit community aspect that can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, often providing a new lease on life for many older people post-retirement.  The inclusion of onsite healthcare services in many luxury retirement villages ensures that residents have convenient access to medical care as needed, which provides a significant advantage as health needs evolve with age.

Each of these options aims to balance independence with appropriate levels of support, community engagement, and safety. 

Find a retirement home

Retirement Living: Next Steps 

Step 1: Assessing Your Needs and Preferences

First and foremost, outline what you desire in a retirement home. Are you looking for a peaceful, remote location or a lively community with lots of amenities? Is there a need for specific healthcare or medical services? 
Consider the type of lifestyle you wish to maintain, the availability of community amenities, and the level of support required on a daily basis.

Step 2: Researching Potential Communities

Start with online resources that offer directories of retirement homes. Seeking personal recommendations and insights from your own social circles can uncover hidden gems. And don't forget the significant value of visiting potential retirement living communities, whether in person or through virtual tours, to get a real feel for the environment.

Step 3: Evaluating Community Features

Take a deeper look into the amenities and facilities offered by retirement communities on your shortlist. 
High-quality accommodations and a wide range of services are vital considerations. Reputation and reviews can also provide a snapshot of the resident experience.

Step 4: Understanding the Costs and Financial Planning

Understanding the costs associated with retirement living is essential. Retirement homes vary greatly in pricing, and it will be critical to budget effectively for long-term expenses.

Investigate any available funding options, subsidies, or financial assistance programmes that might help ease the financial burden. Consider services charges, stamp duty and other costs.

Step 5: Making the Final Decision

After researching and visiting communities, engage in discussions with family members and consult with loved ones before making a decision. It's essential to trust your instincts and make a choice that feels right for you or your family member.

 

Retirement Homes with Hamberley

At Hamberley Care Homes, we understand that retirement living should be on your terms.

We support residents to continue enjoying life their way, offering personalised care across residential, nursing, dementia, and neurocare. Whether you need significant support or just a helping hand now and then, our residents lead enriching lives through our bespoke care plans.

In our luxury homes, you'll find happiness, harmony, and a genuine and nurturing lifestyle. Our residential communities encourage forming new friendships, rediscovering passions, and relishing life in comfort and luxury. 

When you choose Hamberley Care Homes, you're not just moving into a new residence; you're stepping into a lifestyle where every day is about living to the fullest.

Checklist for Care Seekers Considering Retirement Living Options

  • Consider Type of Retirement Living: Determine whether a retirement property with its independence, a retirement village with a sense of community, or a private suite in a care home with higher levels of care is the best fit for your lifestyle and health needs.
  • Identify Any Care Needs: Determine if you or your family member requires any specialist care - residential, nursing, dementia, or neurocare.
  • Assess Level of Independence: Evaluate how much independence you desire and are able to maintain when choosing between these options, as this can significantly impact your daily life and satisfaction with the retirement living choice.
  • Set a Budget: Evaluate your finances to understand what you can afford and investigate any subsidies or financial assistance programs available.
  • Research Options: Look for retirement living villages  and communities online and gather information from various sources about the quality of care and services provided.
  • Visit Retirement Living facilities: Schedule visits to potential retirement homes, retirement villages and care homes to observe the environment and interact with the staff and residents.
  • Check for Activities and Amenities: Ensure the facility offers activities and amenities that align with your interests and lifestyle preferences.
  • Ask for Meal Plans: Inquire about meal options and dining facilities to ensure they meet your dietary needs and preferences.
  • Review Health and Wellness Programs: Understand the health and wellness programs offered and how they can cater to your individual care needs.
  • Understand the Care Plans: Request details of the care plans and how they are personalised for each resident.
  • Evaluate Security and Safety Measures: Check for the safety and security measures in place within the community for peace of mind.
  • Meet with Current Residents: Talk to current residents to get a sense of the community culture and resident satisfaction.
  • Review Contracts and Policies: Carefully read through all contracts, agreements, and policies before making a commitment.
  • Consult Healthcare Professionals: Discuss your options with healthcare providers to receive professional advice tailored to your health status.
  • Decision-Making: Take the time to process all the information gathered and discuss it with family and loved ones before making a final decision.