RETIREMENT
THREE PLACES TO WATCH
1 ARLINGTON MANOR Family values are the crux of this care home, which gives nurturing relationships pride of place. Set in the north of Cambridge, it won the Pinders Healthcare Design award for best new care home in 2019, and builds the confidence of its residents. 2 THE FOUNDATION OF EDWARD STOREY In operation for an impressive 300 years, this Cambridge-based almshouse has truly honed its offering. From a mere ten almshouses provided for in the will of Edward Storey, the foundation has grown into 90 chic, purpose-built flats and bungalows, with an on-site warden team. 3 HARGRAVE HOUSE AND WATERBEACH LODGE For those looking for the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour care, look to Hargrave House and Waterbeach Lodge, running now for 50 years. Each care package is tailored to an individual’s needs and administered by a team of experts.
TAILOR-MADE Find the option to suit you – don’t be afraid to visit properties and ask current residents questions
all taken care of, so the resident never has to worry about anything.” There’s a wide range of residential care homes to choose from – for yourself or your loved one – with Scimitar Care Hotels among the highest standard in Cambridgeshire. “Our signature term ‘care hotel’ was defined back in 1973 as a way of differentiating ourselves from the grim perception of a ‘care home’, often tainted with the image of being institutional and impersonal,” says Paul. “At Scimitar Care, we make every effort to provide care in surrounds that anyone would be proud to call home.” When you’re ready to make your move, there are a few things to be wary of. “Be mindful of service charges and what you get for your money,” says Paul from Mill View. “Simply have a look around and talk to other residents.” “Some questions you may want to ask could be: what services are included in the fees? What type of activities are on offer and who do you cater for specifically? What technology is there? Do we need to bring our own furniture? What is the notice period – and are there any fees payable after I leave?” adds Paul at Scimitar. Whether your retirement is on the horizon or you’ve stayed put so far, if you’re thinking of taking another step up the property ladder, Cambridgeshire is an idyllic, exciting, yet convenient place to settle – and its specialist over-55s housing teams are there to support you.
being a viable alternative to retirement villages, which have been inundated with demand. “Many options are available at the top end of the market for those who wish to ‘rightsize’,” says Jinty Keir at The Foundation of Edward Storey in Mount Pleasant. “However, the call for genuinely affordable housing for older people has never been louder. At their heart, almshouse charities are created through compassion and thrive on the companionship found within. “Almshouse charities have been providing safe, secure homes for those in housing need for hundreds of years. Today, 36,000 people across the UK call them home,” continues Jinty. “Despite this longevity, we believe the almshouse model is as relevant now as it has ever been. How The Foundation has adapted to changing times is best illustrated by the will of Edward Storey. Residents were to be ‘widdowes and Maidens to be Fortie years of Age att the least and of sober life and conversation’. They were allowed a ‘Gowne of sadde coloured cloath about the value of twenty shillings yearely at Christmas and to each twoepaire of shooes and a paire of stockings att Christmas and midsummer’.” Both retirement villages and almshouses are serviced by a warden, concierge or maintenance team, so residents can always feel secure. Daily activities are often provided. However, dependent upon the level of support required, a residential care home may be the best fit. “Residential care homes, as opposed to retirement villages and sheltered housing, attend to all your care needs every hour of every day, by professional, trained carers who are on- site 365 days a year,” says Paul Sargeant at Scimitar Care Hotels. “They provide a safe, social environment, with the provision of daily activities, tailored care plans, freshly cooked meals, daily cleaning and laundry
Both retirement villages and almshouses are serviced by a warden, concierge or maintenance team
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JULY 2022 75
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