CARE & SUPPORT
Independent living Independent living or sheltered housing accommodation provides a safe place to live with communal facilities, allowing residents to maintain their independence, but also receive any extra support they might require. Most independent living schemes are available as self-contained flats or bungalows on a single site, with access to a 24/7 duty warden, emergency alarms, communal dining and activities, housekeeping services to help with laundry, cleaning and shopping, and occasionally a handyman. Personal care such as washing, dressing and nursing are not provided. For this, residents would have to pay for an external carer to come in and help on a daily basis.
CASE STUDY WARBURTON HOUSE
Warburton House in Cambridge is for residents aged over 55 and offers 29 rental one-bedroom apartments and 45 shared-ownership two-bedroom apartments. Residents can enjoy social activities, gardens, a launderette and a hair salon. A two- bedroom apartment costs around £400,000 bought as 75% shared ownership for £300,000, monthly service charge around £275 (no ground rent).
Just like independent retirement living, bills, insurance and maintenance charges will apply. Age UK and EAC offer advice on housing and care needs, as well as information about sheltered housing, available to rent privately.
Cavendish Court CASE STUDY
Cavendish Court in Cambourne – for residents over 65 – comprises 18 two-bedroom and 30 one-bedroom apartments with a 24/7 duty manager and 1.5 hours of housekeeping per week. There’s a restaurant, gardens and laundry service, coffee mornings, film and quiz nights and themed lunches. One-bedroom apartments are on sale from around £100,000 (£700 monthly service charge, £315 annual ground rent) and two bedrooms from £170,000 (£830 monthly service charge, £450 annual ground rent).
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2025 61
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