Life in lockdown is tough. As the UK endures its third lockdown, most people’s plans have been shredded, with lives and lifestyles drastically altered once more. The majority of the population are cooped up in their homes, enduring day after day of the same monotonous routine. But while there are certainly bigger problems at hand, taking care of oneself is essential right now. In a quotidian existence without much in the way of punctuation or excitement, little luxuries become all the more paramount.

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 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 or even joining you for a walk can make the world of difference mentally and physically. The lockdown can be an incredibly lonely time for the older population with the pandemic giving people a new appreciation of what it can feel to be lonely. Indeed, living in a community where everything you could possibly need is on hand, creates a new definition of luxury, and community living during lockdown also provides an opportunity for the simple pleasures in life to be rediscovered too.

Award-winning and internationally renowned retirement community operator, LifeCare Residences, recognises that when life gets difficult, luxuries matter and are therefore dedicated to creating lifestyles and environments that enrich the lives of their residents. The trip of a lifetime may be on permanent hold, along with treasured family visits for example, so the ‘small luxuries’ take on a greater significance. Small indulgences that make life in lockdown a little more comfortable; practical luxuries that can bring a spot of joy to days in Covid confinement. One resident at Somerleigh Court in the heart of Dorchester, Dorset sums up ‘lockdown life’ within a LifeCare Residence; “As I say to all my friends who enquire about my welfare, ‘I count my blessings; I simply could not be in a better place.’”

The dedicated teams at LifeCare Residences’ communities, situated in the UK, have worked tirelessly to introduce new initiatives and practical, onsite services designed to not only lift the spirits of the residents during such a disheartening and dispiriting time, but also to make life under national lockdown run a little smoother. Residents at Battersea Place – the first luxury retirement community in London – who are unable to see their families are given practical help in the form of assistance with their videoconferencing accounts in order that residents are able to communicate with friends and family. At Somerleigh Court, in the heart of Dorchester, residents have also been helped with the setting up of WhatsApp and Facetime applications. Residents are also able to enjoy a home delivery service that has been set up with an emphasis on local, farm-sourced produce – including fresh fish from the local coast. The team at Somerleigh Court have also set up a convenience shop on site which is fully stocked with all the essentials which not only provides practical support for residents, it provides reassurance for concerned family members who are unable to visit.

Residents at Battersea Place are also able to seek comfort in a range of practical and considered lockdown initiatives that have been put in place by the team. Battersea Place is an exquisitely appointed, luxury retirement village in the heart of London offering a wide range of hotel-inspired amenities. Lockdown initiatives include arranging for Covid vaccinations to be carried out on site, a regular visiting GP, podiatrist and physiotherapist are also on hand. The team deliver 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. The initiatives go beyond being simply practical – they also provide a sense of comfort and luxury at such an uncertain and troubling time. These also include an ever-changing menu in the on-site restaurant which includes a four-course dinner and wine pairings. A Battersea Place resident praised the team which in turn reassured concerned family 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.” In addition to the on-site restaurant, residents can also enjoy the luxury of room service at Battersea Place – with the menu changing on a daily basis. One such resident at Battersea Place recently commented, “We have had the most delicious lunches brought up to our apartment. We are so grateful for all the plans you have made to make things easier for us.” Residents are also able to enjoy additional cultural experiences without having to put a foot outside, such as live-streaming events in the luxurious on-site cinema, virtual museum and exhibition tours and even an artistic platform where residents are encouraged to take to their easels.

Grove Place, near Romsey in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, is another award-winning high-end retirement community operated by LifeCare Residences and is dedicated to putting the comfort of the residents first by providing a wealth of five-star amenities. In addition to the exceptional communal facilities, the team at Grove Place is dedicated to ensuring that life under lockdown is as pleasant as possible for residents. Spirit-lifting Initiatives include outdoor socially distanced exercise classes, and thoughtful home-made cakes are delivered regularly to the residents’ doorsteps. The team arranges parties for residents too! During the first lockdown during the summer, Grove Place hosted a grand garden party inspired by the theme of ‘Cruise Around the World’ with entertainment and delicious globally themed cuisine. Grove Place runs a well-stocked shop on site so residents can get all their provisions without having to venture out which has been a life-line for many. One resident comments, “The shop ensures we have all essential supplies. The staff are all supportive in these difficult times, and we have nothing but praise for them and Grove Place, which we would happily recommend to anyone.”

The teams at LifeCare Residences are dedicated to ensuring that their residents and guests are able to enjoy their sacrosanct, daily pleasures, moments of near normality in an otherwise upended world.
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