Retirement and later living has somewhat of a mixed reputation within the UK, perhaps driven in part by a lack of clarity around clear sector definitions. Whether through planning classification or the understanding of what ‘care’ actually constitutes it feels like a perfect time to re-define the sector and enhance the reputation through understanding but more importantly through delivering good quality, appropriate places for seniors to live in.
The population and age demographic statistics tell the story of growing and urgent need to address the current retirement and later living options available in this country. Specific care homes or assisted living scenarios have consistently worked tirelessly to provide later life care, often on limited funding. This end of the sector is unfortunately driven by necessity rather than choice with seniors looking to remain in their family home for as long as their faculties allow them to. This is generally either down to the ability of family to help or through negative stigma of entering retirement specific accommodation.
The development of attractive retirement opportunities as part of a later living community offering, with further care available on site as and when needed is critical to unlocking the potential of the sector. In delivering these quality later living platforms, not only will it help to meet the growing demands but it could unlock the blockages that exist at the top of the property market through creation of viable downsizing opportunities.
Our impending Building Magazine article, in collaboration with Assael looks at the opportunities and considers the ‘Urban Later Living’ proposition in more detail. Watch this space….
For further information contact alinea Partner Alex Hyams:
Telephone – 07879 770036
Email – alex.hyams@alineaconsulting.com
