Growing Numbers of Downsizers Favour Properties with Onsite Care

Growing Numbers of Downsizers Favour Properties with Onsite Care

Retirement properties with onsite care facilities are expected to see an increase in popularity due to more retirees needing assistance. The latest government report* confirms that the number of over-65s requiring 24-hour care will rise by more than a third to over 1 million in 2035. Meeting the demand for assisted living is Wadswick Green, the lifestyle village for over 65s in Wiltshire. The village offers its residents tailored personal care plans via its Rangeford Care service, which means a team of professional carers is on call 24/7.

Christine (73) and Ron (89) Carter moved into a 2 bedroom apartment at Wadswick Green in April 2015 after being impressed by the spacious layouts, lifestyle amenities and onsite care. Christine comments: “Neither of us needed any care then, although we considered that the option being available was a good safety net to have. It so happens that since our move, Ron has suffered a cerebral hemorrhage which means that he’s now dependent on a wheelchair and does require basic assistance.”

All apartments at Wadswick Green are discreetly equipped with pull cords and residents are entitled to a safety button that can be worn around the wrist. “Ron’s had a few medical emergencies and we have been able to push the red button and the carers have come to his assistance within minutes. Having the care team here means there’s immediate help on hand, which gives real peace of mind. I can honestly say that moving to Wadswick Green has really enhanced our lives. If we lived where we were living before, our lives would have been impoverished: Ron would have been housebound,” Christine concludes.

*study by The Lancet Public Health from August 2018

Whilst some retirees need regular care, others might require sudden and temporary assistance. This was the case for Wadswick Green resident Pamela Lacey (77), who had been coping with osteoarthritis but never required any care. This changed when she was diagnosed with arthritis in her feet. She comments: “I needed surgery after which I found myself totally dependent on Rangeford Care for two weeks. Even though it was a temporary measure, having the onsite care team has proven invaluable.”

As Pamela is generally self-sufficient and Rangeford Care encourages independence, Pamela agreed to gradually decrease the care after two weeks. Under careful supervision, the care team reduced their visits from three times a day to once a day. “I’ve finally gained back most of my independence and have now been able to reduce my care to a mere welfare call. This means a carer calls me once a day to ensure that I’m ok. I know that I require further surgery in the future and having experienced the care team’s brilliant and reliable service has given me real peace of mind that I’ll be looked after,” Pamela says.

Angela McKimmie, Sales and Marketing Director at Rangeford Villages, the developer behind Wadswick Green, comments: “Moving into a retirement property is the ultimate step on the property ladder, which means the property needs to be a perfect fit for the buyer’s current and future needs. The knowledge of having care available is a highly prioritised criterion that we witness amongst buyers, whether they require it at the time of moving in or not.”

Most recently, Wadswick Green launched its latest phase Almond Close, featuring 45 one, two and three bedroom apartments. The interiors of Almond Close boast an open-plan layout that creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Similar to the already completed Courtyard Apartments and Pavilion Residences, the homes at Almond Close will feature spacious kitchens with engineered, high-quality hardwood flooring and the latest Neff appliances.

The living rooms offer a choice of wooden floors and boast large picture windows that lead onto balconies with views of the landscaped courtyard and the stunning views beyond. Thorough insulation caters for peace and quiet and supports the energy efficient underfloor heating, whilst wide entrances and lifts as well as high-efficiency double-glazed windows provide a bright and friendly feel.

Interested buyers are invited to visit the marketing suite and showhome opposite The Pavilion at Wadswick Green. To make an appointment, please call the friendly team on 01225 584 500 or visit www.wadswickgreen.co.uk