Retirement FAQs

Yes, it is your home and you can invite visitors to come and stay as you wish. We also have guest suites at most of our properties, which your family or friends can book in advance and use when they visit you. Guest suites cost around £55 per night and are usually one double or twin en-suite room.

Well-behaved pets are generally welcome, but this is subject to the property manager’s approval. It’s likely you may be able to keep a small dog, bird or goldfish, but you should enquire about this before you apply. It is important that if you have a pet, it does not cause a nuisance to other residents.

You can paint and decorate your apartment as you choose, including putting up shelves and pictures. For larger scale changes, you will need to speak to the property manager before starting any work.

You are responsible for paying for any costs which are not covered by your rent, service charge or peace of mind charge. These costs will vary for each property, but generally include: electricity within your apartment, council tax, television licence fee (if applicable), telephone and line rental, internet and contents insurance. For more information about costs, please speak to the manager.

Yes, as long as we can support your needs and you maintain your side of the tenancy or leasehold agreement. If your financial or care needs change, you should speak to our team for advice. 

Depending on whether you are a leaseholder or rent your apartment, you will generally have to pay rent, a service charge and peace of mind charge.

These costs will vary for each property, depending on the location, the communal facilities, the staff onsite, and other variables. Rental costs may also vary depending the size of your apartment and the number of bedrooms.

For full details about the costs for a specific retirement community, please find a service near you, view their web page and contact them directly.

This is a mandatory cost which generally covers: 

• Buildings insurance
• Cleaning and maintaining communal areas 
• Staff and management 
• Heating and water to your apartment

This generally covers:

• 24 hour staff presence 
• Telecare technology, including pull cord alarms
• Safety and security checks

At some of our properties, the peace of mind charge is included within the service charge.

This will depend on your needs, circumstances and local authority, but you may be eligible for financial assistance towards your rent, service charge or care charges. Our local teams will advise of any support that may be available to you during the application process.