Independence days
WHEN Richmond Villages’ new retirement development in Oxfordshire held its open day last month around 750 people visited to see the facilities. Richmond Witney has one and two-bedroom village apartments for those fit enough to enjoy independent living, plus a new care home for those with serious health problems.
There’s a third choice, too: assisted living suites. But what exactly are they?
Susie Oakley, operations director at Richmond Villages, explains that they offer independent living but with a package of extra help for day-to-day chores. “It’s an ideal combination of having your own front door with the reassurance that care and support is available on site 24 hours a day.
“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 doing.
“This means that we prepare all meals, which can be taken either in the restaurant or brought to their apartment, plus a daily housekeeping service and all laundry. All utility costs are also included.”
Even more help can be arranged by the on-site domiciliary care team and tailored to meet individual needs.
“The advantage with this is that our staff only look after people living at the village so that those receiving care and support in their apartment generally see the same carers every day,” says Susie. “Should care needs ever increase then there is also the reassurance of our on-site care home providing 24-hour nursing and dementia care.”
Richmond Villages has five luxury retirement villages in Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, with another under construction at Aston-on-Trent in Derbyshire.
Although most people who live at these properties own their homes, there are a limited number of suites available to rent, says Susie. Village suites start from £235,000 at Witney and include a bedroom with en-suite shower room, sitting room and a fully fitted kitchenette.
Activities at all Richmond Villages sites range from book clubs to bridge or learning a new skill such as painting or using a computer but the four newest villages also have wellness spas. These have a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and exercise classes.
“One of the most important things about life at a Richmond village is the social interaction with like-minded people,” says Susie. “Our activity co-ordinators ensure there is a full diary of activities, plus having our own vehicles and full-time drivers means there are scheduled daily trips to local towns as well as outings to places of interest.”
If you missed February’s open day you only have to telephone to arrange a private viewing or book a “try-before-you-buy” short break through the Richmond Retreats option. As Sue says: “It’s a great way to see for yourself what life is like here.”