An integrated retirement community is a retirement living model designed for people who want to continue living independently in their own self-contained home, all while benefiting from shared facilities, community life, and access to support when needed.
This guide covers everything you need to know about integrated retirement communities, whether you're looking for an option that helps you make the most of your retirement or for helping your parents find a great community that also offers optional support.
Integrated Retirement Communities in the UK: What are They?
Integrated retirement communities allow you to buy or rent your own home in a thriving retirement village of residents over the age of 55. You'll continue to live independently, can still work, and can absolutely continue your routines, hobbies, and social connections at your own pace.
What are retirement villages? They're what we call our communities. Each village is different, but they generally all work the same, giving you the opportunity to live in a beautiful space, stay active, make friends, and live on your terms with full support whenever you need it.
What Does "Integrated" Mean in an Integrated Retirement Community?
Integrated retirement living means living with integrated retirement support and social facilities, all while retaining your independence and connection to the wider community. When you choose one of our retirement villages, you choose:
Integrated lifestyle
At an integrated retirement village, you remain independent with your own home while gaining access to a range of social opportunities, fitness and hobby classes, and top-notch shared facilities that you can use at your discretion.
Integrated wellbeing and support
Every retirement village offers on-site wellbeing and support, which can be of great comfort for children worried about their parents' evolving support needs.
Integration with the wider community
Our communities are integrated with the wider community thanks to nearby transport links and on-site parking bays where you can keep your vehicle.
What Can You Expect From an Integrated Retirement Community?
Each village offers its own range of integrated retirement community facilities and activities for you to enjoy. When you choose one of our retirement villages, you choose shared retirement community facilities that often include:
- Gardens and landscaped areas
- Shops
- A Gym
- Hairdressers
- Restaurant/Cafes
- Communal lounges
- Libraries
- Activity and hobby rooms
Most importantly, however, your integrated retirement living is supported by on-site teams and emergency care that can provide reassurance without interfering with day-to-day independence.
How is an Integrated Retirement Community Different From a Retirement Village?
An Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) is an official status recognised by the Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), though it's often called a retirement village by residents and family members.
The reason integrated retirement communities vs retirement villages is even a consideration is that non-IRC communities can also call themselves retirement villages. A good way to look at the retirement village vs integrated retirement community issue is that every IRC is a retirement village, but not every retirement village is an IRC.
Is an Integrated Community the Same as a Care Home?
No, an Integrated Retirement Community is designed primarily around independent living, whereas a care home provides accommodation alongside ongoing personal or nursing care.
You can learn more about the differences between a retirement village and a care home in our guide. It covers everything you need to know in the integrated retirement community vs care home debate, and can help you decide which living service is right for you, or your loved one.
What are the Benefits of Living in an Integrated Retirement Community?
There are many benefits of integrated retirement communities, which is why so many choose one of our villages to call home. Here are just a few of the biggest retirement community benefits you or your loved one can expect when you move to an integrated retirement village:
Keep your independence
You remain in control of your life, schedule, and routines.
Spend less time looking after a larger home
Downsizing means less time spent cleaning and managing a family home. The grounds and shared facilities are also professionally managed, allowing you to spend less time looking after your home, and more time having fun.
Become a part of a community
One of the biggest benefits of retirement living in an IRC is the community. Not only are you surrounded by other retirees, but you can attend any of the many social events throughout each month at your leisure, with no pressure.
Have facilities close to home
Each retirement village has a selection of facilities ranging from an on-site village shop to a library to lounges and club rooms and beyond.
Know support is available if you need it
The entire premise of IRCs is independent retirement living, but as we get older, accidents do happen. That's why every IRC offers on-site emergency and support services.
Can You Live Independently in an Integrated Retirement Community?
Yes, independent retirement living is a core part of the Integrated Retirement Community model. You have your own home in a self-contained property, make your own decisions about how you spend your days and build your routines. That's why independent living in retirement communities can often feel like living on a village high street.
What Support is Available if Your Needs Change?
We take care in our retirement communities seriously, which is why many villages offer a range of retirement community support designed to help make healthy living easy:
- 24/7 emergency support
- Laundry services
- Domestic cleaning services
- Social calendar activities
- Exercise classes
You may also have the option to independently hire a carer or nurse to visit and check in on a set schedule.
Is Downsizing to an Integrated Community Worth It?
For many, downsizing in retirement allows them to release equity from their home and move to a more desirable area, though it's not right for everyone. Overall, however, downsizing to a retirement village can mean:
- Moving into a more manageable home
- Enjoying greater conveniences at your door
- Access to lively community and social opportunities
- Peace of mind with on-site support options
If you are unsure, you can always rent a flat and test retirement community living before you commit to the long term. Our villages allow you to buy the property you're renting if you decide it's the right long-term decision for you.
How Can Families Help Someone Consider an Integrated Retirement Community
A retirement community for parents can help keep them social, active, and close to fun amenities and activities, so if you're looking into options for retirement living for your parents, IRCs can be a top choice. Helping parents choose retirement living, however, can be another matter entirely. The good news is there are so many benefits you can use to help your loved ones consider an IRC for their future:
- Villages are available in top areas throughout the UK
- Properties include stunning listed buildings and custom-made flats
- Plenty of lifestyle and interests are covered to offer something for everyone
- They can maintain their independence while accessing key facilities with little hassle
- They can make lasting friendships with their neighbours
- There are optional support services that can adapt to their needs
- They have the option to rent or buy
What is ARCO and Why Does it Matter When Choosing an IRC?
Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) is a national body that represents the Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) sector here in the UK. Its consumer code is fully approved under the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), and it works to set strict standards for what must be included in ARCO retirement villages.
Every ARCO integrated retirement communities must include:
- 24/7 on-site staffing
- Communal facilities
- Clear and truthful marketing
- Clear and upfront fee disclosure
You can also trust that you're protected from unfair contract clauses, hidden fees, and other unfair practices when you choose one of our ARCO retirement communities.
What Does Integrated Retirement Living Look Like at our Retirement Villages?
Life in one of our retirement villages is what you make out of it. Integrated retirement living simply gives you options, so when you choose one of our integrated retirement communities in the UK, your life could look like:
- Trying new skills and crafts with other residents
- Joining a walking group
- Taking a Pilates or other exercise class
- Heading out to town or travelling
- Spending time with your friends in the lounge or garden
Integrated community living is great for those who would:
- Prefer a more manageable home
- Want to maintain their independence
- Enjoy having nearby facilities and activities
- Want to be part of a thriving retirement community
Be reassured with access to support and emergency services
If integrated community living sounds right to you, however, join one of our villages during their open days. Our team will be more than happy to show you what independent living at one of our retirement villages can look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Care homes and integrated retirement communities share a lot of similarities. In general, however, care homes provide assisted living, and IRCs offer independent living.
Yes, they own or rent their own homes, choose what activities and facilities they use and when, and can leave or have guests visit whenever they please.
Residents have access to 24-hour emergency support, resale support, domestic cleaning, laundry, and managed social activities.
