Mid Sussex Older Peoples Council – Housing Event Joan Moorhouse Resident

TYPES OF RETIREMENT HOUSING Housing Association Rented/Leasehold Other Owner Occupied Leasehold

WHAT IS RETIREMENT HOUSING? Self Contained Apartments Independent living in a home that best suits your needs Own front door, private lounge, bedroom(s), kitchen and bathroom Family and friends visit when it suits you and them NOT a residential or care home

Sheltered and Extra Care Housing Rented accommodation Apply for it via a Common Housing Register application using the Choice Based Letting system.

OWNER OCCUPIED LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES Available to anyone 60+ to purchase Long lease and annual ground rent Conditions in lease on making alterations to apartments, letting and on sale Maintenance Charge covering repairs, insurance, water, resident House Manager’s rent and salary etc., gardening, contribution to repairs contingency fund, management and administration fees

WHY CHOOSE RETIREMENT HOUSING? Secure environment Help can be summoned quickly House Manager takes over management of building and grounds Social atmosphere

ADVANTAGES Security Residents are often living alone so restricted entry to building is an added safety measure In an emergency, a pull cord or button can be used, night or day Other Residents relieved of arranging house repairs and heavy garden maintenance but gardening opportunities are present Usually, Social Committees are formed by residents and numerous activities and outings are arranged Always an opportunity to sit and chat over a drink or play board games in the communal lounge. Lounge can be hired for celebrations

ATTITUDES TO MOVING TO RETIREMENT HOUSING People think you need to be unable to look after yourself They are too young Will lose independence

PRESENT INTAKE Older people (80s and 90s) moving in as they are living longer If you need help in your present home - you will still need visiting carers who still have to be paid You can be just as isolated in your apartment if you don’t socialise

MOVE WHILE YOU ARE YOUNGER AND FITTER You can join in and perhaps organise activities and social gatherings You extend your social life by making new friends as well as keeping outside links You make the choice yourself and take charge of the move - not have to rely on others to do this for you later (perhaps not how you would wish)

HEALTH BENEFITS AND WELLBEING House manager and other residents know if someone is not seen Combats loneliness and depression Keeps you active in mind and body Encourages talents and participation Residents help one another when problems arise Local pharmacy delivers medications - if you are out House Manager will take delivery Mobile Grocer/Greengrocer visits every Friday

WHAT WE HAVE ARRANGED FOR OURSELVES Buffet and wine evenings Pimms and strawberries or nibbles afternoons Visits to Hawth theatre Outings to coastal resorts etc. Invited Age UK to do weekly gentle exercise sessions Arranged a monthly film club Talk by two residents on Crawley development and New Towns Resident’s talk on Old Crawley Resident’s talk on Sussex artists St George’s Day supper (sausage and mash) with 3 residents playing ukuleles and leading singing Fish and chip suppers Fortnightly Bingo Resident showing her papier-mâché and mosaic creations and giving lessons to interested residents Our Scottish House Manager at his own expense arranged a Burns’ Night in January with haggis piped in by a young Crawley piper, songs and poems performed by him and us