Is this the future of care?
28/02/2008
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MT Editor Tony Watts visits Richmond Villages’ new development in Gloucestershire
What do you look for in the retirement home of your dreams? The majority of us want independence – and support – in just the right measure, and that has been the mantra for Richmond Villages in their creation of the second phase of their “village” at Painswick in Gloucestershire.
Within the one community, Richmond Painswick effectively offers three levels of retirement living, set in a truly idyllic rural setting in “Laurie Lee” country just a few miles from the bustling Cotswold town of Stroud, with the “bright lights” (and shops!) of Gloucester and Cheltenham slightly further distant.
In the words of their MD Keith Cockell: “We recognize that many people are still very fit when they retire and simply want somewhere safe and secure to live, with the facilities they need and with access to assistance in the future – should they need it. For this we have ‘village apartments’.
“Others need a certain level of help on a daily basis but still want their own home where they can entertain their family and friends. For these residents we offer serviced apartments with hotel-style services which can include all meals, beverages, cleaning and laundry, and as much personal care as is needed.
“And for those who require 24-hour nursing care, we have a high quality nursing home with 24 beds, where specialist staff provide dedicated care.”
Critically, Richmond Village offers a seamless service where residents can move from one level of living to another should their health needs change.
They also recognise that, sometimes, a married couple have differing needs; within a two bedroomed apartment, for instance, one person could receive personal care during the night in their room while their partner occupied another room – without their sleep being disturbed. Equally, one partner could spend a few days or a week in the nursing home to give their spouse “respite”.
Prices for the 18 independent village apartments, each with two or three bedrooms, a spacious dining / living room, kitchen and bathroom, start at around £429,000 – there is currently a waiting list for these.
The 38 serviced apartments, which have either one or two bedrooms, start at £225,000, and the weekly fee to include all beverages, meals in your room or in the restaurant, daily maid service and laundry, is
£318 (based on one person).
The care home bedrooms are charged on a weekly basis.
But it is the facilities available to all the residents which are most impressive and the equal of a very fine hotel: the wellness spa has three health and beauty treatment rooms; there is an excellent gymnasium designed with older people in mind; and a swimming pool complete with a sauna and steam room. A fitness / dance studio hosts classes to keep residents fit and mobile while a hairdressing salon is there for gentlemen as well as ladies.
The residents themselves run their own library and meet up regularly in the many comfortable sitting rooms dotted about the place, as well as in the gardens and café. And the restaurant facilities really are first class, while the clubs and activities run in the Village involve everyone who wants to socialize with their neighbours.
Above all, this development leaves one with a sense of community – as well as well-considered comfort.
Richmond is just one of a number of Richmond Villages up and down the country, and prices of apartments will vary depending upon the location. A number are also in the process of being planned or built, and if you want to find out if there is one located close to where you would like to live, you can go onto their website – linked below
- or call 0845 607 6405.