Specialist retirement flats

Can't help directly - but will say that my Dad lived in a sheltered bungalow and when he died we had trouble selling it as people were put off by the overheads - which we had to pay for ages, even though he had died. And we finished up having to sell it very cheaply as we could not go on paying these charges.

We too are in a similar situation as OH has PD, and we took the decision nearly 2 years ago to move from the home we loved into a much more practical bungalow. When/if the time comes that I cannot provide him with sufficient care myself, I will be looking at bringing in care, which initially we would have to pay for, but, as our savings dwindle would be subsidised.

Could you maybe follow that route? - buy a bungalow that is practical/adaptable and soldier on as now (but in UK); then if more help is needed you will have been in UK for a while and I would guess there would be no quibble about you accessing care in the home.

My mum lived in sheltered housing until her death- she was 95. I am sure that the social life the scheme had helped her to live so long. She was very frail but kept her independence thanks to the support she had. BUT the service charge is very expensive and seemed to go up every year. They also vary consideably in size. Mum's was OK but some I have seen near me are tiny, possibly OK for a single person but I think a couple would struggle. Mum's flat was rented so I don't know about sales. You can ask Age UK for lists of properties in the area you are interested in. Or try googling some of the companies that deal with them. Anchor and McCarthy Stone are 2 such. Good luck

Have you read the McCarthy and Stone thread? Their Retirement Living Plus homes have access to additional help with personal care etc. Worth a look, they do have places at coastal areas. Sorry about your DH. Must be a worry for you.

There was an article in the Guardian's money section yesterday that pointed out some of the advantages such as purpose built community and onsite activities - but also some of the pitfalls such as ground rent (most are leasehold), service charges and developers being entitled to percentages of sales prices
www.theguardian.com/money/2018/apr/28/retirement-villages

It seemed that the place they looked at had not risen in value as much as a non-retirement 2 bed apartment

I agree with Luckygirl. I have heard, and read, many concerns with regard to selling on these properties, and, relative to non-retirement properties, the poor sale prices often achieved.

When my Mum was considering buying such an apartment, we found that the manager was only available at certain times as she worked across other retirement developments. Also, her responsibilities with regard to residents' practical requirements were very limited. And if a person becomes too frail, disorientated or ill to manage on their own, they will need more support than such a scheme can offer.

I think buying in support may be a better way of assisting when people become infirm, even if it means downsizing to release funds that can be invested to provide for such a possible eventuality.

Like most things there are positives and negatives. In my view do your homework. It’s best to visit some, talk to people who live there if you find a development that’s particularly interesting. Check the management fees, look at the last 5-10years accounts, see how the fees have changed in that time. If you decide to buy then use a solicitor who is experienced with the type of property you are interested in and make sure you understand the detail of the management support. In this area there are houses, apartments and bungalows in developments for those over 60. Some have more support built in than others.

If a development is called independent living it means just that. Home owners are independent, they do not receive care from staff. If carers are needed they are sourced in the same way anyone would source them. Other assisted living developments have the facility to use on site carers as and when they are needed.

We wanted to change area and opted for bungalow in a small independent living retirement complex, we have a private garden. Our management fee seems reasonable for what is included which for us means peace of mind about the repairs to and maintenance of the structure of the building and things like fences. The bungalows seem to sell easily. There is no payment made to the management company when a bungalow is sold, they are Freehold.

It took us two years to find this development and another year of visiting to decide to move here. Our research showed fees are much higher for apartments, primarily we believe because lifts are very expensive to maintain.

It must be difficult being so far away Violette. Is there any way you could come to the UK to research? Maybe rent for a while? Although I imagine this could be difficult if your husband is unwell.

It’s hard to generalise about these things but we have found good support here. Family circumstances have changed since we moved and we now do not have family close by. We do have kind and supportive neighbours who are unfailingly helpful. It feels secure and comfortable. Security was important to me but it isn’t all perfect, there are things that are downsides for me, for example we really miss the lack of a garage. I said, there are positives and negatives. We are all individuals and what suits one will not suit another, what irritates me will not irritate you. I wish you well in your decision making and hope you can find a comfortable home here in the UK which meets your needs.

Would it be at all possible to rent one of these rather than buy?

The problems I've heard of, aside from high charges, are the diffulties of selling (inc. still having to pay charges) not just after someone has died, but also if a care home is later needed and the money is needed to pay the fees.

Violette you could try ringing North Tyneside Council, or Newcastle City Council, to ask whether this kind of rented accommodation is available.
My Mum lived just north of there, still in her own home, but had got to the stage where she needed sheltered accommodation, and was offered a little flat (rented). But then she had a stroke and needed more than that.
You would need to have contact with a GP and Social Services before being considered.
I've heard of these other projects for the elderly, involving buying. I've been buying the magazine called Yours which has a lot of useful information.