This month, loneliness among the over-65s hit the headlines, with research by Age Concern* revealing that more than one in ten always – or often – feel lonely; almost half consider television their main form of company; and half a million spent Christmas Day alone.
However, Addlestone resident Joyce Ashley, who bought an apartment at McCarthy & Stone’s Oaktree Court development in November 2009, believes moving to a retirement development is the perfect solution for anyone living on their own in later life to combat loneliness and isolation.
Joyce, 84, explains: “The snow this month has really brought to the forefront of my mind why I love being at a retirement development. As a widow, the thought of other people in my situation being alone in their house during this weather is a nightmare. I’m sure many will have been housebound and completely isolated.
“Instead, at Oaktree Court, I’ve been able to pop down to the residents’ lounge any time of day and find someone to have a chat with. The lounge is really warm and cosy and is used by all the residents here to meet, read, enjoy a cup of tea and socialise meaning anyone who is looking for company can find it! We meet most days for coffee and have organised a number of social events, such as a Christmas buffet and a fish and chip supper, and, as we don’t have to tackle the icy streets, our get-togethers have been able to continue throughout the bad weather.
“Furthermore, being part of a community such as this means I know I will never be isolated. I can knock on my neighbours’ door or speak to the house manager, who oversees the running of the development, if I have a problem. And if I really get into difficulty, there is a 24 hour emergency Careline call point in my apartment.
“And it gives my daughters such peace of mind to know that there’s always someone nearby that I can call on in the event of an emergency.
“However, there seems to be a misconception that retirement developments are simply care homes but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The main point of difference is that everyone has their own front door so while we all look out for each other, we can still get on with our own life without interference from others. We can even invite friends and family to stay in the development’s guest suite!”
But in addition to being part of a community, there are other benefits of living at a retirement development, as McCarthy & Stone sales consultant Gill Davies explains: “It is true that there is a real community spirit at Oaktree Court but the benefits don’t just end there. Take this bad weather for example, residents don’t need to worry about clearing the drive of snow or mending a fence that has blown down because this will be taken care of by the management company.
“In addition, our apartments are designed to be low maintenance. Many people who buy here are struggling with the upkeep of their current home and garden.”
This is indeed another huge benefit for Joyce Ashley, as she explains: “Before moving to Oaktree Court, I lived in a large cottage with a garden and it just became too much for me. My apartment is so easy to keep clean and requires little or no maintenance and this means I’ve got much more time to enjoy my retirement!
“There is a garden at Oaktree Court, which is starting to really mature, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it during spring and summer – without the hard work!”
Oaktree Court is an exclusive development of 35 one and two bedroom retirement apartments, situated just a short walk from Addlestone town centre.
See Also: Property News (6699), McCarthy and Stone (109), Addlestone (2), Age Concern (1), Oaktree Court (2)
Date Published: 20 January 2010
Related News
