“We wanted to send our heartfelt thanks for looking after mum. I’m not sure how we would have managed without you all”. This reassuring quote, from a family member of a LifeCare Residences’ community, best sums up why moving into the right retirement community provides absolute peace of mind for family members, loved ones and residents alike. This is further exemplified by the fact that residents at Lifecare Residences’ communities and their families call the residences ‘home’ which underpins that the service and sense of community offered are appreciated by all.

Moving into a retirement community is, unquestionably, a very big decision that requires plenty of careful thought and planning. The majority of retirees consider the move to a retirement community when they start to feel the burden that comes with living alone and maintaining the daily chores. Owning and upkeeping a home is a big task for anyone, so it’s no surprise that many retirees often find the maintenance involved more taxing as they age. The following support services are available at LifeCare Residences communities: housekeeping, laundry, room service, maintenance support, care and courtesy shuttle and chauffeur service allowing retirees to relish a more active lifestyle with fewer chores. It is also important to remember that contrary to some perceptions, retirement communities are not ‘nursing homes’; the communities operated by award-winning LifeCare Residences provide vibrant places to live. They provide a full-spectrum of five-star amenities and services that not only make day to day living smoother, but also help to free up time allowing retirees the luxury of time to appreciate the pastimes and hobbies they’ve longed to enjoy. Retirees can be assured that the team at LifeCare Residences is dedicated to putting the comfort of their residents first by providing a wealth of hotel-inspired amenities that help to ensure that well-earned retirement years are lived to the full; furthermore, this enables them to embrace the freedom of having daily chores handled by caring support. A resident of award-winning retirement community Battersea Place, London, Virginia Darbyshire agrees, “I had lived in my last house for about 40 years, and quite simply, it had become too big…I knew I wanted a property that required less maintenance, which would enable me to invest in more time in my interests.” Her daughter Gaby adds, “The transition has been incredibly smooth and it’s reassuring to know that there is help and support on hand should Mum need it. When we first visited Battersea Place, we were impressed with the standard and facilities on offer and, in many ways, Mum now has a better quality of life than I do. It feels like a luxury hotel with its pool and restaurant and cinema, and mum’s apartment is certainly bigger than mine in New York.”

Socialising after retirement can prove a challenge as social circles become smaller, and as a result many retirees may find themselves spending more time alone or relying on family for company. Studies have shown that staying socially active is as important to health as staying physically active – older adults who are socially active handle stress better which leads to improved health. Moreover, staying socially active and feeling part of a community empowers self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. At all LifeCare Residences communities, residents benefit from the services of a lifestyle co-ordinator who organises local excursions, talks from visiting speakers on a variety of topics, onsite activities and functions. With numerous opportunities to socialise including during meals in the onsite restaurants, leisure experiences and outings, many residents find a restored sense of purpose and joy in their social lives once they move in. Many new residents find their social circle expanding once again, as they have an opportunity to meet and make friends in the comfort of their own home with like-minded, vibrant people – which is not only appealing at any age, but also provides a great deal of reassurance for family members knowing their loved ones are happy and fulfilled. What is more, all residences have guest apartments available for the use of visiting friends and family. This sense of reassurance is once again exemplified by a family member of a Battersea Place resident, commenting on the support the LifeCare Residences’ teams provided during lockdown; “The team at Battersea Place is invaluable especially at this time when neither my brother, nor I, can physically be there with Mum.”

Many residents don’t rely on the care services that are in place at LifeCare Residences’ communities, but simply knowing that option is available and can be easily factored into their daily lives is something that residents and family members alike find both liberating and reassuring. Elaine Gaussen, a resident at Grove Place, a beautiful retirement community operated by LifeCare Residences in the Hampshire countryside concurs; “We’re confident that Grove Place will keep us entertained, even if we become less mobile. We knew when we came here, we were planning for the lives we live now – but also for the changing needs or circumstances that might arise in the future. It feels like Grove Place can cater for all eventualities.”

Family members often worry about their loved ones’ well-being and whether they are left feeling lonely, vulnerable and isolated as they get older. This concern has only been exacerbated by the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions preventing face-to-face visits. The key to minimising feelings of isolation is to create a strong support network. Friends, family and those who can check in, either virtually or in person, share hobbies or interests – even joining you for a walk can make the world of difference mentally and physically. Lockdown can be an incredibly lonely time for the older population, with the pandemic giving people a new appreciation of what it can feel like to be lonely. For retirees, living a life under more restrictions can present challenges – and living in an environment that facilitates independence has never been more important. The teams at LifeCare Residences’ communities have worked tirelessly to introduce new initiatives and practical, onsite services designed to not only lift the spirits of residents during such a disheartening and dispiriting time, but also to make life under national lockdown run a little smoother. Residents at Battersea Place who are unable to see their families are given practical help in the form of assistance with their video conferencing accounts in order that they are able to communicate with friends and family.

Other lockdown initiatives include arranging for complimentary trips to nearby supermarkets, onsite Covid vaccinations, a regular visiting GP, a podiatrist and physiotherapist are also on hand. The team delivers nourishing food boxes to the residents, as well as delivering and picking up post and parcels directly from their doors to save them going out. This even extends to running simple errands for the residents which again helps promote peace of mind. An everchanging menu in the on-site restaurant, which includes a four-course dinner and wine pairings, can also be delivered to residents’ apartments. A Battersea Place resident praised the team, which in turn reassured a concerned family member, by saying; “Could you thank all the waiters and kitchen staff for keeping going and giving us such a happy time. My daughter has been worrying a lot about not coming down and I shall send her a picture of us eating our fabulous food and she will be so cheered.” Another resident recently said, “If one has to endure lockdown, it is difficult to think of a better place to do so than Battersea Place!”

At award-winning Somerleigh Court, residents have also been helped with the setting up of WhatsApp and Facetime applications. Set in the heart of Dorchester, Somerleigh Court provides a range of resident amenities and healthcare services. Residents are also able to enjoy a home delivery service that has been set up with an emphasis on local, farm-sourced produce – as well as fresh fish from the local coast.

In addition to the many initiatives outlined above, family members can seek further reassurance from the fact the LifeCare Residences has over thirty years of dedicated experience in the sector; fifteen of which have been in the UK. They take pride in the fact that they are owner/operators of their boutique environments where everyone knows each other’s name. They also ensure regular reinvestment back into their communities – such as recently establishing a putting green and kitchen garden at Grove Place. LifeCare Residences is a founding member of ARCO (the Associated Retirement Community Operators). Reassurance indeed!
If you would like to learn more about our offering and how we can enhance the ‘every day’ please call T. 0800 009 6950.
For those who are unable to visit in person, we are also able to offer virtual tours of our communities at your convenience.
www.lifecareresidences.co.uk