Assisted Living and Retirement Communities
Your options for later life
As we get older, our housing needs often change. You might find that your health or mobility isn’t what it used to be, or perhaps you’re feeling a bit isolated living alone. This is where assisted living and retirement communities come in. They offer a great middle ground, balancing your independence with the safety and support you might need.
These communities typically feature purpose-built homes, on-site staff, and shared facilities, providing a supportive environment where you can stay in control of your life while having help readily available.
What is assisted living?
Assited living (also known as extra care housing or housing with care) is designed for older adults who are mostly independent but could use a hand with certain daily tasks, like personal care or household chores.
You’ll typically find individual flats or bungalows within a larger, managed complex. Each home is private, with its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area, so you can maintain your privacy and independent lifestyle.
On-site care and support
The main benefit of assisted living is the care services available right there on site. A dedicated care team (either directly employed or from an external agency) provides support tailored to your needs. This can include help with.
- Personal care. Washing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Medication management. Taking medication, organizing prescriptions, and attending medical appointments.
- Meal support. Preparing meals or accessing meal services.
- Household tasks. Managing laundry and cleaning.
Your care plan is flexible and can be adjusted as your health needs change. Plus, many properties have built-in safety features like emergency alarms and telecare monitoring for 24-hour peace of mind.
Most schemes have age restrictions, often for those 55 or 60 and over. Some may also require a care needs assessment, especially if managed by a local authority or housing association. Private schemes often have more flexible entry criteria.
How does assisted living compare to other options?
There are several housing options for older adults, each with different levels of independence and care.
Sheltered Housing. These are self-contained homes within a managed building, but they generally don’t offer care services. They’re ideal if you’re independent but want features like emergency call systems or a part-time manager on site.
Residential Care Homes. For those who can no longer manage daily tasks at home. You’ll have your own room in a shared building, with all meals, domestic help, and personal care provided. These homes are regulated but don’t provide clinical or nursing care.
Nursing Homes. Offer a higher level of care than residential homes, suitable for individuals with complex medical needs (e.g., advanced dementia, physical disabilities). They have registered nurses on staff for medical interventions and round-the-clock health monitoring.
Home Care (Domiciliary Care). This allows you to stay in your current home while receiving regular assistance. It can range from a few hours a week to full-time live-in care. While it keeps you in familiar surroundings, it might not offer the same level of safety, social contact, or home adaptations as specialist housing.
Assisted living sits between home care and residential care. It allows you to keep your own home while getting the help you need and being part of a supportive community.
Retirement communities
A retirement community is a planned development with housing and support services specifically for older adults. A major benefit is that they often offer a mix of housing types and care levels, meaning you can stay in the same location even if your needs change over time.
Homes are usually self-contained flats or bungalows, adapted for easy living with features like wide doorways, level-access showers, and emergency call systems. Many are sold on a long leasehold basis or rented through specialist providers.
Shared facilities and social life
Shared facilities are a core part of these communities, often including amenities like.
- Lounges and communal sitting areas.
- Gardens or green spaces with accessible paths.
- Cafés or restaurants offering hot meals.
- Fitness rooms or swimming pools.
- Hairdressers, libraries, or activity rooms.
Staff availability varies, with some communities having full-time on-site staff and others contracting with external care agencies.
Social activities are commonly organized to encourage connection and reduce loneliness. Think walking groups, book clubs, music evenings, or local outings. You can choose how much you want to get involved.
Some communities even allow residents to move between different types of accommodation on the same site. This is particularly valuable for couples with differing care needs, as they can remain together within the same development.
Well-known providers in the UK include McCarthy Stone, Anchor Hanover, and Audley Villages, each with their own service models, fees, and support levels.
Balancing support with independence
One of the biggest draws of assisted living and retirement communities is the ability to maintain control over your daily life. Unlike in care homes, you decide when to wake, eat, or socialize. You can invite guests, decorate your home, and stick to your own private routine.
Support is designed to adapt to your personal choices.
- You can cook your own meals, buy them from an on-site café, or have them delivered.
- Care workers can visit at scheduled times or respond to requests as needed.
- Medication support can range from simple reminders to daily dispensing by trained staff.
- Cleaning and laundry services can be added or paused depending on your preferences.
The homes themselves are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring.
- Wide, step-free entryways.
- Walk-in showers with grab rails.
- Non-slip flooring and easy-reach fittings.
- Video entry or secure key-fob access.
- On-site staff trained in first aid and emergency response.
For families, these features offer great reassurance that their loved ones are both independent and well-supported.
Understanding the costs
The cost of moving into an assisted living or retirement development varies based on the property type, location, and the level of care you need.
Property Costs. Most homes are sold leasehold (typically 99 or 125 years). Prices can start around £150,000 for a one-bedroom flat in less expensive areas and exceed £500,000 in London or the South East. Some providers also offer rental or shared ownership options.
Service Charges. These are monthly fees covering the maintenance of shared areas, staff costs, insurance, and amenities. They can range from £200 to £700 per month. Always check what’s included, how often charges increase, and what happens to fees after you leave or sell the property.
Care Costs. Billed separately, usually by the hour. As of 2025, hourly rates range from £20 to £30. Funding can come from your personal income, local authority contributions (subject to means-testing), or benefits like Attendance Allowance.
Additional Fees. Be aware of potential extra costs like ground rent (though this is being phased out for new builds), exit fees (or event fees) when the property is sold, or deferred management fees that accumulate over time.
It’s crucial to seek legal advice and thoroughly review all contracts before committing to a purchase or long-term rental, as financial arrangements can be complex.
Benefits and challenges
These types of retirement schemes offer a range of significant advantages.
- Maintain a private home. You get to keep your own private apartment or house within the community, giving you personal space and independence. At the same time, you can access support tailored to your specific needs, whenever you need it.
- Reduced isolation. Many schemes organise a variety of activities and provide welcoming communal spaces. This fosters a strong sense of community, helping to reduce loneliness and encourage social interaction amongst residents.
- Improved safety and security. Your peace of mind is prioritised with features like emergency call systems, secure entry points, and environments specifically designed for older adults. This helps make everyday living safer and more comfortable.
- Less responsibility for home upkeep. You’ll have fewer worries about the chores that come with owning a property, such as external maintenance, gardening, or major repairs. This means more time for you to enjoy your retirement.
- Couples can stay together. These schemes are particularly beneficial for couples. Even if one partner’s care needs increase over time, you can continue to live together within the same community, with tailored support available to each of you.
It’s also important to be aware of the challenges associated with these types of retirement schemes.
- High costs. The financial aspect can be a major consideration. Costs can be high, particularly when you combine ongoing service charges with any care fees you might need.
- Leasehold restrictions. Many properties in these communities are sold on a leasehold basis. This can come with various restrictions, such as limits on whether you can sublet your property or make significant modifications to your living space.
- Exit fees. Also known as ‘event fees’ or ‘transfer fees’, these charges can be a bit confusing and difficult to budget for. They’re typically paid when you sell your property or transfer the lease, so it’s vital to understand them upfront.
- Limited availability. Finding the right scheme can sometimes be a challenge, as availability can be limited, especially if you’re looking in rural areas or smaller towns.
Carefully consider how your needs might change over time and what each scheme can accommodate.
Important questions before deciding
When considering a move to an assisted living or retirement community, ask these key questions.
- What types of care are available, and how are they delivered? Are care packages adaptable as needs change?
- What’s included in the service charge, and how often is it reviewed?
- Are there any exit or deferred fees, and how are they calculated?
- Is there a management company or residents’ association, and what is their role?
- Are there rules on visitors, pets, or overnight guests?
- What happens if a resident’s care needs exceed what the scheme can offer?
- What communal amenities are available, and are there limitations on their use?
Always request a full breakdown of costs and seek independent legal advice before signing any contracts.
For local guidance and available schemes, contact your local council’s adult social care department or use the EAC Housing Options directory to explore extra care housing in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living (or extra care housing) allows you to maintain your own private home while receiving care support for daily tasks. Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical and nursing care for individuals with complex health needs, often in a shared room setting.
Do I own my home in an assisted living community?
In most cases, homes in assisted living and retirement communities are sold on a long leasehold basis, meaning you own the lease but not the freehold. Some providers also offer rental or shared ownership options. Always check the specific ownership model.
Can my family visit me in an assisted living community?
Yes, absolutely. Assisted living is designed to allow you to maintain your independent lifestyle, which includes having guests. There might be some community-specific rules about overnight guests or common area usage, but generally, visitors are welcome.
What happens if my care needs increase significantly?
Many retirement communities are designed to offer varying levels of care, sometimes allowing you to move to a higher-support unit within the same development. If your needs exceed what the community can safely provide, staff will work with you and your family to explore more appropriate options, such as a residential or nursing home.
Are pets allowed?
Pet policies vary significantly between communities. Some are very pet-friendly, while others have restrictions on the type, size, or number of pets. It’s crucial to ask about their specific pet policy early in your research if you have a pet.
