CARE & SUPPORT
RETIREMENT LIVING – understanding the options
With many choices for those looking to downsize from the family home, Marina Jordan offers good advice on where to begin
If your relative is too physically or mentally infirm to care for themselves, a care home is the best solution. Visiting care homes in person is key to ensuring that they meet the needs and level of support your loved one requires. Ask the staff plenty of questions while you’re looking around and, if possible, speak to the residents and their families too. Bear in mind that weekly fees are likely to range from £1,500 to £2,000 until the resident reaches the savings threshold of £23,250. Care UK offers a free care needs and funding assessment. Explore other options below, too. Hallmark Homes (Arlington Manor, Girton) THE CARE HOME OPTION
A s our loved ones grow older, living in the family home might become more of a challenge. Climbing the stairs, getting out of the bath, maintaining a large house and garden or managing the cost of heating a big home can all become issues. Maybe it’s time to consider a retirement living option.
There are three main types of retirement accommodation to consider: retirement homes, perhaps in a retirement village; independent living, also known as sheltered housing; or extra-care housing, sometimes referred to as assisted or ‘independent living plus’ – with varying degrees of personal assistance.
hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk Hamberley Care Homes (Cambridge Grove) hamberleycarehomes.co.uk Porthaven Care Homes (Barley Manor, Shelford) porthaven.co.uk
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