“I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.”

-Walt Mossberg

Access to good amenities and activities cannot be underestimated in retirement. Many of the amenities within a retirement community reflect aspects of retirees’ well-being such as emotional wellness, physical health, social life, creativity, and intellect. Some of the best amenities to provide these benefits are found in the award-winning retirement communities owned and operated by LifeCare Residences which include multi-dining experiences, pampering sanctuaries, health and wellness facilities such as swimming pools and gyms, and entertainment and creative spaces.

Health and well-being amenities

Keeping bodies and brains active in retirement could potentially save years of ill health, helping those in retirement to continue living independently and enjoying life. All three communities operated by LifeCare Residences offer a wealth of opportunities for residents to exercise both indoors and out.  Both Battersea Place, London’s first luxury retirement community, and Grove Place, in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, boast well-equipped gyms and heated indoor swimming pools which are only available for the exclusive use of residents and their families. Residents at Battersea Place can take part in on-site physical activities such as regular Pilates, ballet, reiki, and meditation classes which are held in the gym.  In addition, the residents-only gym at Battersea Place has been kitted out with specialist HUR SmartTouch gym equipment which can be tailored to a resident’s personal specifications. Every resident at Battersea Place has access to the HUR SmartTouch which comprises four multipurpose machines that benefit the legs, shoulders, arms and back. The HUR SmartTouch is ideal for residents who are building up their strength. At Grove Place, residents benefit from the services of a dedicated fitness trainer, as well as a beautifully tended croquet lawn and an immaculate nine-hole putting green.

Working in a garden uses every major muscle group in the body and at Grove Place, residents enjoy access to a 27 acre estate, as well as the opportunity to tend their own private balconies and terraces.. Somerleigh Court, in the heart of Dorchester, is ideally located next to the glorious Borough Gardens and residents have at their disposal a wealth of green space to enjoy – right on their doorstep.   To make the most of all weathers, a dedicated Garden Room was recently launched at Somerleigh for residents to enjoy regardless of the weather.

Social activities and five-star amenities

Socialising after retirement can prove a challenge e, with social circles becoming smaller, and as a result, some may find themselves spending more time alone. Staying socially active is as important to health as staying physically active. Moreover, feeling part of a community empowers self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. LifeCare Residences communities provide ample opportunity for residents to meet like-minded people and even get involved in a range of activities and clubs on offer. Every LifeCare Residences community has a lifestyle manager who co-ordinates an events calendar tailored toward the individual preferences of the residents – be it crafts, ukulele groups, board games, cards, falconry, archery, bridge, or music. LifeCare Residences goes to great lengths to ensure that its communities are vibrant environments to live in, offering a full-spectrum of five-star amenities and services that not only make day-to-day living smoother but also free up time allowing retirees the luxury of time to appreciate the pastimes and hobbies they’ve longed to enjoy. The following support services come as standard at LifeCare Residences Communities: housekeeping, laundry, room service, maintenance support, care and a courtesy shuttle and chauffeur service allowing residents to relish a more active old age with fewer chores. These on-site amenities are not something many people usually have on their doorstep but are enjoyed to the full by the residents at LifeCare Residences communities.

Battersea Place, in London, boasts the level of services and amenities one would expect to find in a five-star hotel, including a chef-led restaurant and bar, health and beauty treatment suite, cinema, library, front-of-house concierge and a fleet of pool cars available exclusively for residents. At Battersea Place, there are the popular Theatre and Opera Supper Clubs, a Book Club, and a Gentlemen’s Discussion Club. In addition, the team host Musical Dinners, Murder Mystery Nights, live screenings from the Royal Opera House as well as Residents’ talks and lectures from visiting film and art historians. It doesn’t end there – residents at Battersea Place can join a Bridge Club as well as turn their hand to Scrabble or even an art class. Most recently, the team at Battersea Place hosted a hugely successful Mediterranean-themed dinner in the courtyard garden and residents also enjoyed a visit to Denbies Wine Estate – one of England’s largest, single-estate vineyards.

At Somerleigh Court, in the heart of Dorchester, there is a lifestyle co-ordinator who is on hand to create a revolving calendar of events, talks and excursions for residents and, what is more, all apartments are supported by housekeeping services. Residents can socialise in the lounge and dining area, with a range of events on offer from coffee mornings to wine tastings. Exercise classes are also available. As well as private gardens, there is a communal garden and most recently, Somerleigh Court hosted a much-anticipated launch party for the latest addition to the village, The Garden Room, which is already proving itself to be a lively hub for social gatherings for residents and their friends and family members. Barry Rutherford moved to Somerleigh Court, and hasn’t looked back, saying, “I didn’t know anyone before I moved in, but now I have plenty of like-minded friends to chat to. I’m literally surrounded by friends. There is a full programme of events to enjoy such as interesting guest speakers and visiting musicians and a regular pianist comes in and plays on request which is delightful. In fact, there is a wider and more interesting cross-section of people here at Somerleigh Court than there were in my old village!”

The amenities and services on offer at Grove Place near Romsey in Hampshire are of the highest standard, providing residents with a top-class restaurant, concierge service, barbeque area, music and event rooms, a prescription collection service, property maintenance and housekeeping services. Because of these services, residents are freed from daily chores and can also enjoy a wide-ranging plethora of activities set up by the LifeCare Residences team instead. Weekly activities on offer include a Gardening Club, Craft Club, an art class, a Creative Group, Bridge, and a Choir. As a result of these clubs, many new residents find their social circle expanding once again, while day-to-day living is made easy and as maintenance-free as possible.  Many residents don’t rely on the care facilities that are in place at the LifeCare Residences communities, but simply knowing that option is available and can be easily factored into their daily lives is something that residents find both liberating and reassuring. Elaine Gaussen, a resident at Grove Place, agrees; “We’re confident that Grove Place will keep us entertained, even if we become less mobile. With its host of communal spaces and on-site restaurant, we’re assured that life will never become dull. 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.”

If you would like to learn more about our offering and how LifeCare Residences can enhance the ‘every day’ please call 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.

LifeCare Residences.  We care about living life.