The sense of maintaining one’s independence is one of the key drivers for retirees moving to a retirement community earlier. It is reassuring for residents and family members alike to know that a caring team is on hand, 24-hours a day. All residences have guest apartments available for visiting friends and family. Tricia Caffyn and her husband Neville made the move to Grove Place in Hampshire and relish the sense of security that comes with such a supportive community and a sense of newfound independence. They still enjoy running their own lifestyle but with the added knowledge that they can choose between entertaining friends in their apartment – or popping out to enjoy a meal at the restaurant with other residents. Tricia comments, “We are still very much in charge of our own routine. Grove Place has enabled us to enter into the next stage of our lives with the confidence that our lifestyle doesn’t have to be compromised.” This sentiment is echoed by a resident at Battersea Place in London who feels a greater sense of independence after moving in, “Battersea Place is a great launchpad for my travels and for my volunteering at the British Museum. Moving hasn’t reduced my ability to get involved with London, I go to the National Theatre and any free museum exhibition that’s going. I have my friends from Battersea Place over for coffee, and I have some friends coming to stay in the guest apartment very soon”.