Insights into Assisted Living Apartments From Richmond Villages

Richmond Villages, which has a retirement living development in Wood Norton, have addressed some of the most common concerns about moving into an Assisted Living Apartment.

With loneliness becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among older generations, communities like retirement villages are more important than ever. Nearly a quarter of people over the age of 60 say that they feel lonely: that’s three million people in the UK alone.

With loneliness comes a myriad of health concerns, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, disability, cognitive decline, depression, and even early mortality. Some studies have found that adults over the age of 60 who report feeling lonely are at higher risk of functional decline, meaning they are unable to carry out basic daily tasks.

Richmond Villages are retirement villages that offer Independent Living Apartments, Assisted Living Apartments, and care homes. With calendars packed with events and dedicated activities teams across the Villages, Richmond Villages places emphasis on community.

Irene Toomey, a Richmond Villages resident, said, “We have a very, very good social life. In

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

fact, every day, we could either be out at lunch or out for drinks every night. The programme here is excellent: we have a very good supper club once a month with music and the summer weather’s here so in the Lodge café, we have bistro evenings. Really, we’re quite spoilt for choice with the programme.

“The atmosphere here is extremely friendly and really, we all feel that we’re here for each other, so even if one’s on one’s own, you’re not going to be a stranger for very long.”

Despite the benefits of living in the type of community offered by Richmond Villages, many people still have reservations about moving into a retirement village. Richmond Villages have addressed the most common myths they face about their Assisted Living Apartments:

1. ‘I don’t think an apartment is suitable for my parents living with dementia’ Richmond Villages supports a number of residents with early dementia in Assisted Living Apartments. Before any residents move in, the Domiciliary Care Team carries out an assessment, ensuring all residents are safe and in the appropriate type of living. 2. ‘My parents’ needs are too great and we think they need to move to a care home’ The personal care Richmond Villages provides in Assisted Living Apartments is tailored to individual needs, whether that’s help with showering, getting dressed, or a need for company. If care needs become too great, they will provide further support and care from the nursing or dementia team on their onsite care floor. 3. ‘I’m not sure we can afford the ongoing costs on an Assisted Living Apartment’ With Richmond Villages’ various lifestyle packages on offer, you only pay for the level of service you require. They also offer eligible discounts, all bills included, and no hidden charges, meaning their Assisted Living Apartments provide an

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Alison Hammond drops in for a coffee at Woodland View

Droitwich Spa care home, Woodland View, welcomed the community to a Macmillan Coffee Morning this month with the help of special celebrity guest, Alison Hammond.

On Saturday 24th September, community members visited the care home to enjoy a cuppa, cake and a chat with Hammond, the residents and the care team members.

The coffee morning raised over £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support UK, a charity close to the hearts of the residents, staff and Alison Hammond.

Cindy Hawkins, the Home Manager at Woodland View, said ‘Our Macmillan Coffee Morning was a raging success! Our staff and residents are so grateful to Alison and the Droitwich community for coming out to support us.’

In an interview with BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, Alison Hammond said, ‘Quite a few members of my family have been affected by cancer, and Macmillan has always been there for them.

Alison then joked, ‘I’m moving to Droitwich, I’ve decided! I’m moving in with these residents and I’m going to be here forever! It’s absolutely beautiful here.’

Woodland View, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home. It is welcoming new residents for short- and longterm placements with a unique all-inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families. n