As family members grow older, it can be difficult to find the balance between maintaining their independence and ensuring they have help at hand when necessary. For most, retirement complexes could be the answer.
The retirement living complex concept has grown rapidly across the UK over the past 15 years as a solution to this problem, providing comfort and peace of mind to both the resident and their family. Complexes are now being built offering the luxury and necessities required by our over 60’s. Most complexes offer a link to their house manager or a care line facility with access provided from each room in the flat, in case assistance is needed.
Residents are often able to purchase pendant alarms to ensure that their alarms are close to hand at all times. Some sites also have a camera entry system linked to the flat owners own television, letting each flat owner see who is calling on them and further ensuring their safety.
What do retirement complexes normally include?
The complexes offering this retirement lifestyle try to offer the best of both worlds for our over 60’s, safety and security along with privacy and independence. Deliveries, whether post, parcels, food deliveries, milk or newspapers can be delivered directly to the door, whilst communal laundries offer washing, drying and ironing facilities whenever needed – without the disruption and noise of it being in the residents’ own apartment.
Resident lounges also offer an opportunity for residents to meet up with other residents, get involved with arranged entertainment and clubs – or not – it’s entirely dependent on preferences, but each complex usually offers a range of choices to suit all residents. Guest suites are also highly useful for residents with family and friends that may wish to visit and stay over, without the need to pay for a hotel.
The majority of retirement complexes are also built in close proximity to the needs of the over 60s. For example, near to local shops, post offices and restaurants. They will also often be within their own gated, fenced or walled ground, providing peaceful surroundings, additional security, and well stocked and maintained gardens.
Internally kitchens and bathrooms and designed for safety of the resident. When purchasing from new you can choose your preferred options, for example, having a bath or a shower – whichever provides more comfort for the resident. Kitchens are designed to maximise the useable space, and to ensure they are safe and easy to use, with everything within easy reach. In addition to this, all retirement developments should have a lift for use for all above ground floor apartments.
Insurance needs for retirement complexes
Here at Residentsline, we understand the need for retirement buildings to be well insured, which is why we offer a comprehensive Retirement Block of Flats Insurance policy. Our policy is provided on an All Risks basis, and includes cover for common rooms, communal lounges, laundry room and leisure facilities including tennis courts, exercise studios and gymnasium including exercise equipment, spa facilities, sauna or swimming pools.
Additional benefits include:
- Contents of guests’ accommodation rooms
- Contents of house manager/warden/caretaker’s accommodation
- Master suited locks and keys cover
- Re-landscaping costs following damage – including damage to statues and ornamental ponds
- Damage to resident’s powered wheelchair or motorised mobility aids whilst stored in common areas
- Damage to Electric/electronic motorised wheelchair/mobility aids re-charge points
- Employers Liability – Limit of Indemnity £10,000,000
- Property Owners Liability – Limit of Indemnity £10,000,000
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