FAQS

Independent living

Q. Is there any nursing or medical cover?

A. A 24-hr on-call emergency support service is in place in all villages. This is to cover emergencies only, provide advice on health matters, liaise with GPs, families, etc, and generally look after the well being of residents.

Q. Are there any medical requirements for purchasing?

A. Our independent villages are not suitable for people who have serious health problems at the outset. Therefore, medical references are obtained for applicants aged over 75, with an additional mobility requirement for the over 80’s. Over the age of 75, applicants can self-certify, with references only required in the event of serious health problems being disclosed.

Q. What happens if I become unable to look after my partner or myself?

A. The concept of the village is independence in retirement. Our domiciliary care company, Red Hat, will be looking to expand its service to provide care packages at varying levels for residents, if required. A number of our villages also offer extended close care and full nursing services, which provide a natural extension in older age.

However, where the situation deteriorates and independence diminishes to the point where permanent care is needed and closed care or nursing home facility isn’t available, then inevitably residents themselves or their families will recognise that alternative living arrangements need to be made.

Where a couple are occupying a property and one of the parties becomes unable to look after themselves, then there is no need for alternative arrangements to be made, providing the other party remains able to cope along with the assistance of outside agencies.

Q. How much are service charges likely to go up?

A. All of our service charges are run on a strictly “not for profit” basis and in full compliance with government legislation. Increases in service charges will only reflect actual levels of wage and cost inflation. It is not possible to give predictions for this but the company has considerable experience, gained over 25 years, of managing our villages and is very conscious of the need to keep costs under control whilst continuing to give a quality service.

Q. Are there any social activities?

A. In addition to the listed facilities in each respective village, residents will form their own Residents’ Association. This will be an elected committee. From here, events and planned activities will spring to life.

Q. Can I make alterations to my property?

A. Minor internal alterations and improvements can be made with the consent of Retirement Villages. However, when the lease is assigned, the right is reserved to restore the property to its original condition at the expense of the outgoing tenant.

Q. Can visitors stay?

A. Yes, they can, but in many of our villages we have well appointed guest rooms, which are available at nominal rates.

Q. Who is responsible for redecoration of my property?

A. External redecoration is the responsibility of Retirement Villages within a planned maintenance cycle. This is paid for from the service charges. Internal redecoration is the responsibility of the tenant at least every five years.

Q. Are pets allowed?

A. Yes they are. However, for obvious reasons it is essential they are well trained and controlled.

Q. What is the assignment fee and why is it payable?

A. Under the terms of the Retirement Villages standard lease, a percentage of the sale price is payable to the company when the property changes hands. This is because Retirement Villages Limited does not see itself as simply a house builder. We create retirement village developments with the intention of retaining the freehold in perpetuity and managing the scheme throughout its life. The unique selling point of our villages is that they are more than just a housing development. We are offering a range of services and support which will allow residents to enjoy their lives to the full and be supported socially and physically. Developments such as Roseland Parc will therefore include facilities such as restaurants, bar, wellness centre etc and there is a substantial capital cost to creating these facilities. The assignment fees payable each time that a property changes hands provides the landlord with a return on the capital required as well as absorbing estate agents fees land registry fees and all other transaction costs related to the sale other than the lessees own legal fees.

Close care

Q. Who can live in a close care property?

A. Anyone who is over 55 (or is married to someone over 55). The services and facilities have been designed specifically for this age group.

Q. Are the properties leasehold?

A. Yes, the properties are sold with 125-year lease.

Q. Can I get personal care in my home?

A. Yes, you can have a tailor-made package to suit your needs, such as help with bathing, dressing, meals, for example. This would be priced accordingly.

Q. How much are service charges likely to go up?

A. Increases in service charges will only reflect the higher costs of providing the services, together with the effects of any future Government legislation. It is not possible to give predictions for this, but suffice to say, the company has considerable experience, gained over 25 years of managing our villages, and is very conscious of the need to keep costs under control while continuing to give a quality service.

Q. If my spouse or I need full nursing care, can we move to the nursing home?
Yes (in the case of Roseland Parc and Thamesfield) provided we have a room available and Matron has agreed it is the best place for you. We will always try to give priority to existing residents.

Q. Can I bring my own furniture and effects?

A. Yes of course. It is your home and you can bring whatever you want to fit in it.

Q. Can I bring my pet dog or cat?

A. Yes, providing it is not a danger or annoyance to other residents.

Q. If I become frailer and require more assistance will I have to move again?

A. No, not unless your GP recommends it. Our aim is to ensure you can be cared for within your home by our own team of carers for as long as you need us.

Q. Is there a care manager on call 24 hrs a day 365 days a year?

A. Yes, for emergencies, including Christmas and New Year.

Q. Do I insure the property?

A. We insure the buildings and furnishings in the common parts, you only need to insure the contents within your own home.

Q. Can I still employ my own cleaner?

A. No, we are sorry but due to current legislation and our own insurance liability we can only allow our own staff who are employed and trained by ourselves to work within the properties.

Q. Can I have a cleaner to clean my home?

A. Yes, we can supply a cleaner from one hour a week to as much as you require.

Q. Can I, or my executor, sell my property privately?

A. As part of the assignment fee payable when the property changes ownership, Retirement Villages Limited takes responsibility for procuring the sale of the property and paying the fees as the agent normally therefore all of this will be taken care of for you but there is nothing to prevent you or your executor making different arrangements if you wish.

Q. What is the assignment fee and why is it payable?

A. Under the terms of the Retirement Villages standard lease, a percentage of the sale price is payable to the company when the property changes hands. This is because Retirement Villages Limited does not see itself as simply a house builder. We create retirement village developments with the intention of retaining the freehold in perpetuity and managing the scheme throughout its life. The unique selling point of our villages is that they are more than just a housing development. We are offering a range of services and support which will allow residents to enjoy their lives to the full and be supported socially and physically. Developments such as Roseland Parc will therefore include facilities such as restaurants, bar, wellness centre etc and there is a substantial capital cost to creating these facilities. The assignment fees payable each time that a property changes hands provides the landlord with a return on the capital required as well as absorbing estate agents fees land registry fees and all other transaction costs related to the sale other than the lessees own legal fees.