Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

<p>I believe that retirement developments are aimed at the over 60s but Caroline Haswell at Churchill Retirement Living will have all the gen on that.You can contact her <a href="mailto:Caroline.Haswell@crl.co.uk">Caroline.Haswell@crl.co.uk</a> <a href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/</a></p>


<p>Funnily enough a friend was talking about this the other day . Wants to move to a smaller place nearer daughter and says she’s looking at retirement developments but she’s only 63.  Isn’t that too young ?</p>


<p>Some really useful points here. I&#8217;m helping my Dad to think through what might work best for him, and especially about how much space he really needs</p>


<p>My mum is thinking of doing just this &#8211; so very timely. Thanks.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2-720x481.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-2-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When your parents get to a certain age, downsizing – maybe moving closer to family, living somewhere that&#8217;s easier and cheaper to manage and perhaps releasing some cash to spend on holidays, a new car and generally enjoy a more carefree lifestyle – all makes good sense. But how to help your parents find the right place? We asked Caroline Haswell from <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Churchill Living (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/" target="_blank">Churchill Retirement Living</a>, which has properties throughout the UK, including <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Shaftesbury (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/retirement-apartments-for-sale/dorset/hardy-lodge/" target="_blank">Shaftesbury</a> and <a href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/retirement-apartments-for-sale/dorset/rothesay-lodge/">Highcliffe-on-Sea</a> in Dorset, for her advice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Location, location, location</h2>



<p>This is crucial. Think about proximity to shops, nice pubs and cafes, a library and other amenities.  Are there good GP and dentist surgeries nearby? (If you don&#8217;t know the area, you can read inspection reports for GP, dentists and hospitals on the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Care Quality Commission website (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cqc.org.uk/" target="_blank">Care Quality Commission website</a>.) Are these within walking distance or easily reachable on public transport? Living out in the sticks might seem like bucolic bliss but if getting out and about starts to get more difficult, there are definite advantages to being closer to, or in, a town or village. </p>



<p>Proximity to you or other relatives is also a consideration. If your parents are living nearby, it&#8217;s obviously going to be much easier if they need to be taken to appointments or you need to visit them to help sort things out&nbsp;– and (added bonus) they can see the grand kids more frequently. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52098" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-720x482.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-768x514.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-785x525.jpg 785w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo: Ekaterina Shakharova for Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Size matters</strong></p>



<p>Your parents may be moving to a smaller place but bear in mind how much space they&#8217;ll need for their lifestyle or hobbies (that collection of vinyl or yoga habit) or if they want to put up an overnight guest. A second bedroom could be useful; some retirement development properties have guest suites (no need to make up the spare bed or share a bathroom in their own place) .  Thinking of outdoor space, is it important to have a private garden or terrace or would a communal garden do just as well (no mowing or weeding, hurrah!)?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility</h2>



<p>Fast forward to a time when your parents may not be so physically able. Is the property all on one level? Are there steps up or down between rooms? If it&#8217;s an apartment on an upper floor, is there a lift in the building? Wider corridors are essential if someone needs to use a wheelchair. Think about walk-in showers and grab rails by the bath. Are electric sockets and appliances at the right height? Is there parking close to the property?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easy living</h2>



<p>How much maintenance are they prepared to do?  At this stage in their life, even the most inveterate DIY-er may answer &#8216;none&#8217;!  In retirement developments, the properties are usually leasehold and management companies handle external repairs to the building and the grounds and buildings insurance. There&#8217;s usually an annual service charge to cover these costs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple.jpg" alt="downsizing " class="wp-image-52094" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-couple-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Feeling safe</h2>



<p>Does the area feel quiet, peaceful and safe? Think about security at the property &#8211; locks, alarm, even a security camera.  Are there smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors? You can set up a careline support system (telephone linked personal alarms). Retirement properties may have a member of staff on site 24/7,  which can provided added security both for when your parents are there, or away from home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social life</h2>



<p>Loneliness can be an issue at any age but becomes increasingly common  as we get older.  Are there people of a similar age living nearby? Are there local venues, events, activities and classes in the area that suit your parents&#8217; interests?  Some retirement properties have programmes of activities, creating a ready-made community, which can be good if your parent is moving to a new area.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="891" src="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg.jpg" alt="downsizing" class="wp-image-52096" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg-300x223.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg-673x500.jpg 673w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg-150x111.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg-768x570.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/older-people-jpeg-707x525.jpg 707w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Money, money, money</h2>



<p>Do your parents have another property to sell? If you&#8217;re interested in a retirement property, check whether you can re-sell or rent it out (and to whom) if circumstances change. Bear in mind the Government&#8217;s current stamp duty holiday, with none payable on properties up to £500,000 until 12 June 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Go and see</h2>



<p>Draw up a shortlist of places and go and have a look around at the property itself and the immediate area to see if it&#8217;s right for your parents. If you&#8217;re thinking of a property in a retirement development, you may be able to meet some of the other residents to get a feel for what it&#8217;s like to live there (remember, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="retirement developments (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/" target="_blank">retirement developments</a> are not care homes, but dedicated properties for independent older people and usually with added facilities and benefits).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1.jpg" alt="downsizing " class="wp-image-52092" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/03/GetAttachmentThumbnail-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>When&#8217;s the right time?  </strong></p>



<p>Downsizing and leaving the family home and all its memories can take time for your parents to get their heads around, so it&#8217;s good to do your research and get things started sooner rather than later. It&#8217;s always better to make a move like this when your parents want to, rather than when they feel they have to. </p>



<p>.</p>



<p><strong>See also</strong>: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Churchill Retirement Living (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.churchillretirement.co.uk/" target="_blank">Retirement properties near you</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Two-minute truths: Financial care for parents (opens in a new tab)" href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/finance/two-minute-truths-financial-care-for-parents/" target="_blank">Two-minute truths: financial care for parents</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Best Places to Live, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank">Best Places to Live,</a> the top 200 places across 25 Muddy counties.</p>


Downsizing in later life

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