Choosing a retirement home that suits you

Plenty of people start to think about where they live as they get older. Some want a smaller home that is easier to run. Others want company close by, or help on hand when they need it.

These notes describe the main kinds of retirement home in England. They also suggest what to look at when you visit, so the place you choose fits the life you want.

Retirement housing with a little support

Sheltered housing is also known as retirement housing. You can usually buy it or rent it. Most schemes have a minimum age, such as 55 or 60.

Many schemes have a scheme manager, sometimes called a warden. There is usually an alarm for 24-hour emergency help. Many also have shared gardens or lounges, and social activities for residents. Meals and personal care are not usually included, though you can arrange them separately through the council or a care agency.

Most sheltered housing to rent comes from councils and housing associations. In most areas the council keeps a waiting list for it.

Extra care and assisted living

Extra care housing is also called assisted living. Each resident has a self-contained flat with their own front door. Staff are usually on hand for up to 24 hours a day.

The care is shaped around each person. It can include help with washing, dressing and taking medication. Some schemes also offer meals, shopping and laundry. It offers more support than sheltered housing, and more independence than a care home. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects extra care housing and gives it ratings.

Retirement villages and other choices

Retirement villages are fairly new in the UK. They are usually large schemes laid out like a village. Many have shops, restaurants, gyms or swimming pools, and personal care is often available. You can buy, rent or part-buy a home in one.

Abbeyfield is a charity with homes for people aged 55 and over. Residents have at least one cooked meal a day. Almshouses are run by charitable trusts, mainly for older people, and the rent is usually low.

Care homes

A care home gives people somewhere to live along with personal care. Care homes with nursing also have qualified nurses on hand around the clock. Some homes specialise in dementia care. A dual-registered home takes people who need either kind of care, so someone can stay put if their needs grow.

The first step to any kind of care is a care needs assessment from the local council. The CQC inspects and rates care homes in England. You can read its inspection reports and ratings on its website.

What to look for when you visit

Age UK suggests thinking first about what matters most to you. A visit is a good time to get a feel for the place. These are some of the things worth noticing.

Whether the shared spaces and gardens feel welcoming.
What the social life is like, and whether pets are allowed.
How close the shops, services and public transport are.
Whether family and friends can get there easily.
Whether the home can still meet your needs if they change.

Costs to ask about before you buy

Service charges, and what they cover, vary from one scheme to the next. Age UK suggests asking for a full breakdown of charges, including any one-off fees.

Most retirement properties are sold on a lease. Some leases charge a fee when you sell, sublet, or when someone new moves in. The Law Commission calls these event fees. It found they could be hidden in long leases and explained too late in the sale. So it is worth asking about them early, and checking the lease terms before you commit.