Independence and peace of mind thanks to McCarthy & Stone

When 88-year-old Anne Bryant decided she needed a little more help with day to day tasks but didn’t want to lose her independence, McCarthy & Stone’s St Rumbolds Court development in Northamptonshire was the perfect solution.

The Assisted Living development of 62 one and two bedroom apartments bridges the gap between conventional retirement developments and residential care, providing peace of mind for Anne’s family too, as her daughter Helen Henshaw explains: “Mum had been living on her own for 20 years, since my Dad died, which was fine when she was in good health but latterly she has found things increasingly difficult. The geographical gap between us didn’t help as she was up in Cheshire and it was very difficult to find the time to regularly drive up and down the M6 to see her and help her.

“When Mum decided she wanted to move nearer to us she mentioned McCarthy & Stone and so we went to have a look around St Rumbolds Court. We were really impressed with the whole set up and the staff were so friendly and helpful. It’s wonderful that Mum can maintain ownership of a property and her independence, two things that were very important to her, as well as benefit from a number of additional support services and features. The waitress service restaurant facility is a real advantage as Mum doesn’t have to worry about cooking and it means she can enjoy a balanced diet.”

Anne used McCarthy & Stone’s Move For Free scheme, which enabled her to leave the hard work of packing and unpacking her belongings to the retirement specialist’s expert team.

Anne said: “I like living here, the staff are very helpful and are there for you if you need them. It’s nice to be with other people; lunch is a bit of a communal affair! Not everyone has lunch here, but I find it easier and the three course lunches are very nice with a varied menu. It was a big decision to move, but I couldn’t manage on my own in my own house any more. I did the right thing in moving.”

Helen added: “Moving to St Rumbolds Court has given Mum a real boost and we’re thrilled she’s settled in so easily, as it’s a big change. Aside from the fact that it’s like living in a hotel as the development is so beautiful, we’ve all got peace of mind as Mum is no longer isolated. We’re just round the corner, the children can easily pop in and see her after school and all she has to do to see a friendly face is step out of her door!”

As part of the service charge at Assisted Living developments, one hour of domestic assistance is available each week and if additional assistance is required, perhaps short term in the event of illness for example, this can be arranged at an additional cost. Personal care can be arranged via the appointed care agency to suit individual residents’ needs should they arise and the level of care is totally flexible to meet the changing needs of residents over time.

Another key feature of Assisted Living is that staff are on site 24 hours a day helping to ensure peace of mind for not only residents, but also family and friends, round the clock. In addition Assisted Living apartments are generally larger, making moving around the apartment easier for wheelchair users. They also benefit from a level access shower in addition to a bath. The fitted kitchen also includes an electrically operated window, avoiding the need to struggle and lean across work surfaces to open them.

St Rumbolds Court is an Assisted Living development of 62 one and two bedroom apartments just outside the pretty town centre of Brackley. There are good transport links to Oxford, Banbury and Northampton and a mainline railway station just a few miles away at Bicester North for access to London and Birmingham.

See Also: Property News (6711), McCarthy and Stone (109), St Rumbolds Court (1), Northamptonshire (44), Assisted Living (13), Move For Free (2)