While most of us would like to remain in our family home for as long as possible, as we get older, it can sometimes prove difficult. Until recently, people having problems with daily living have had no choice other than moving in with family or into residential care, which can be both stressful and a financial strain.
But now, a real alternative is coming to Cardiff. McCarthy & Stone, the UK's leading retirement developer, has announced that a purpose built, private Assisted Living development is coming to Cardiff for the first time.
Planning permission has been granted to build 58 one and two bedroom apartments with communal facilities and support services exclusively for those over the age of 70 on Marlborough Road. The development will be a safe and secure environment that offers peace of mind and continued independence in a property residents continue to own.
A key benefit of Assisted Living is the on site waitress service restaurant. Whilst the apartment's own fitted kitchen is well equipped, residents can choose to dine with family and friends in the waitress service restaurant which offers a freshly prepared, hot meal at lunchtime 365 days of the year. And, for those who are unable to make it down to the restaurant due to illness, meals can even be taken to their apartment.
Domestic Assistance is another important benefit of Assisted Living. One hour a week is automatically provided to residents as part of the service charge but additional assistance can be purchased should it be required, on either a short or a longer term basis. Washing, ironing, shopping and other day to day chores can all be done on the residents behalf if required, leaving more time to enjoy their new found independence.
Each apartment is wheelchair accessible throughout and comprises one or two bedrooms, an open plan lounge/dining room, a fitted kitchen and a bathroom incorporating both a bath and separate level access shower with non slip flooring.
Security is another important feature of Assisted Living. Staff are on site 24 hours a day and can be summoned in an instant courtesy of the 24 hour emergency call system. Importantly for both residents and their family, Assisted Living offers the reassurance and peace of mind that they are in good hands.
Community is also paramount. A communal lounge is available for residents to meet for a chat over a cup of tea while also providing a venue for the many social events that are regularly organised. Furthermore, there is a hotel-style guest suite for hire at the development should a little extra room be needed for putting up family and friends and a function room is available for private parties and gatherings.
And for those who require it, either now or in the future, personal care is also available. This can be on a short or a longer term basis and importantly, the level of care is totally flexible to meet the changing needs of residents and, unlike a residential care home, you only pay for the care you receive.
Aileen King, regional sales and marketing director, for McCarthy & Stone, comments: "We are delighted to be bringing Assisted Living to Cardiff. As well as being Britain's leading retirement developer, McCarthy & Stone has gained a reputation as one of the premier house builders in the UK, being the only builder to have achieved 5 stars for customer satisfaction six years running in an independent survey by the Home Builders' Federation.
"Assisted Living is a completely new offering in Cardiff that will really bridge the gap between our standard Retirement Living developments and residential care. While it will never be a substitute for a nursing home, the additional features and benefits can help postpone or even remove the need to ever consider more formal care arrangements.
"Furthermore, we can offer practical and financial help with the sale of an existing property, liaising with solicitors on the purchaser's behalf and providing a full de-cluttering, packing and removals service. We will also ensure one of our professional advisors is on hand on the day of the move to guarantee everything goes smoothly."
Anyone interested in finding out more about McCarthy & Stone's forthcoming Assisted Living development in Cardiff is being invited to get in touch now to be the first to receive information about the new apartments.
See Also: McCarthy & Stone (410), Cardiff (17)
Date Published: 05 December 2011
Related News
