19 Nov 2013
When it comes to elderly care, there's a vast array of different options available from a myriad of providers. Many are dependent on an individual's needs, but what's the right choice?
Bowling green at Richmond Letcombe Regis
Richmond Villages designs, develops and operates award-winning retirement care villages in five - soon to be six, locations around the UK - see note - and along with offering independent living and care homes including dementia care, has developed a comprehensive service called Assisted Living for those who need the occasional helping hand.
With winter fast approaching, now is the time many people start to feel that continuing to live in their current home is perhaps not the best option. So could an Assisted Living apartment be the answer?
Elisabeth Parker, village manager at Richmond's newest village at Letcombe Regis in Oxfordshire, explains.
Assisted Living - what exactly is it?
"Assisted Living is a philosophy of care and support services that promotes independence, dignity and wellbeing. It is now firmly established as an alternative to residential care, where people can retain much of their independence in a socially active community. By purchasing their apartment, it's an ideal combination of having your own front door and with the reassurance that care and support is available on site 24 hours a day."
So, is Assisted Living all about promoting independence?
"Absolutely! By providing supervision or assistance with day-to-day living, people who are finding it difficult to live independently at home but do not need the 24 hour care provided by a care home, are able to enjoy prolonged independence in a safe, caring, socially active and supportive environment."
And do people actually own their apartment?
"We are still very much a nation of home owners and the majority of people do prefer to purchase their own homes so they retain equity and reduce their outgoings. However, we also have a limited number of Assisted Living apartments available to rent."
What does the Assisted Living package include?
"The Richmond Assisted Living package is designed to take away the chores of daily life, allowing people more time to enjoy the things they prefer to do. This means that we prepare all meals, which can be taken either in the restaurant or brought to their apartment, a daily housekeeping service and all laundry. All utility costs are also included."
Is additional help and support available?
"Yes, and where people require additional help and support, this is arranged by our own domiciliary care team and tailored to meet the individual needs of each person.
"The advantage with this is that our staff only look after people living at the village so that those receiving care in their apartment generally see the same carers every day. Should care needs ever increase, then there is also the reassurance of our on-site care home providing 24 hour nursing and dementia care."
What kind of activities are there?
"One of the most important things about life at a Richmond village is the social interaction with like-minded people. Our activity co-ordinators ensure there is a full diary of activities and events, plus having our own full time drivers and vehicles means there are scheduled daily trips to local towns as well as social outings to places of interest.
"We try and make sure there is something for everyone, so the activity team organises activities and events based on residents' interests. This hopefully means there is a wide choice with everything from book clubs to bridge, or learning a new skill such as painting or using a computer. At Northampton for example, a group of male residents are building their own train set, while at Letcombe there are some very keen vegetable gardeners. We also have our own wellness spas at a couple of villages where residents can go for a swim or relax in the Jacuzzi, or take part in one of the many classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates or aqua aerobics. We also have bowling greens at three villages, and there's a 30 acre nature reserve at Letcombe which is beautiful to stroll around whatever the season. There really is something for everyone, and the one thing I hear most often from residents is that their social calendar is busier than ever since they moved here!"
How do people arrange to take a look?
"Our village advisers are here seven days a week, and visitors are welcome to pop in at any time that suits them, although it's advisable to call in advance to ensure someone is free to show them around. We also hold regular open days, and offer 'try-before-you-buy' short break stays through our Richmond Retreats option, a great way to see for yourself what life is like here."
For further information about Richmond Villages, please visit
www.richmond-villages.com or telephone 08444 119 390.
- Ends -
Notes to editors:
About Richmond Villages
One of the pioneers in bringing the retirement village concept to the UK, Richmond Villages has been designing, building and operating its own villages for over 17 years. The company currently operates five luxury retirement villages located in Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, and is one of the leaders in the retirement living sector. It has established a reputation for the provision of quality service and care and won numerous awards.
Recently acquired by Bupa, Richmond Villages expects to start construction of its sixth retirement village at Witney, Oxfordshire in spring 2014.
Typical village accommodation
Village apartments
Village apartments are large one or two bedroom apartments comprising a fully fitted kitchen, large lounge, master bedroom with en-suite and second bedroom, most with en-suite. Again, personal care can be provided by Richmond's domiciliary care team.
Assisted Living apartments
These apartments are situated within the main village centre building and are designed to help people maintain their independence. Apartments typically include a lounge, kitchenette and en-suite bedroom. To remove the daily chores, these apartments come with an 'Assisted Living package' which includes all food, daily cleaning, laundry and utilities, meaning you can spend more time doing the things you want to do and maintain your independence. Personal care packages are available from Richmond's own on-site domiciliary care team.
Care bedrooms
There are also large en-suite care bedrooms located in the care home within the village centre building to provide nursing and dementia care*. The care home also has its own restaurant and lounges, but the advantage of a Richmond care home over a conventional nursing home is that it is situated within the heart of a social, stimulating community with a wealth of things going on.
* Dementia care is available at Richmond Letcombe and Painswick, and residential care at Richmond Nantwich.
Award winning retirement village
Richmond Painswick in the Cotswolds, Richmond Northampton and Richmond Letcombe Regis in Oxfordshire have all been awarded 'Best Retirement Development' by both the 'What House? Awards' and the 'Daily Mail Property Awards'. Richmond Letcombe Regis has also been awarded the 'What House? Best Innovation in Over 50s Housing Award and Gold in the New Homes Gardens Awards 2012. Richmond Painswick has received a 'Highly Commended' award in the 'Assisted Living' category at the 'Daily Telegraph Your New Home Awards', and two RHS It's Your Neighbourhood Heart of England in Bloom 2012 gardens awards.
To download hi-res images via the LawsonClarke PR online press office go to: Richmond Villages image gallery
To view videos about Assisted Living at each village go to:
Issued by: Jeremy Clarke/Tracey Bretherton
tracey.bretherton@lawsonclarke.co.uk
LawsonClarke PR
Tel: 01285 658844
Fax: 01285 650080