March 2016
no.237 • £4.75 incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
Group backs benefits of downsizing
By Dominic Musgrave
A LEADING provider of housing and care has stated the property industry should start focusing less on starter homes and more on the merits of downsizing for Scotland’s older people. A recent survey conducted by Saga Scotland suggested that many over 60s fail to see the benefit of downsizing – financial or otherwise It was found that there is a lack of suitable housing options for the older generation which is fundamentally preventing these people from moving. Bield aims to counter this by building developments made up of aspirational, lifestyle driven, high quality apartments in greatly sought after areas for independent over 60 living. In the last year the group has launched luxury retirement housing developments in both St Andrews and Bearsden, to provide quality housing for a market which is often overlooked. Susan Jackson, new homes sales and Marketing Manager at Bield, said: “There is often a lot of focus on first time buyers in the property market, but there are currently thousands of older people looking to downsize.
“As the Saga Scotland report states, many of Scotland’s over 60s have thought about moving to more suitable housing yet they believe there is little incentive for them to do this. “We want to show that downsizing with Bield is rightsizing. It allows buyers to relocate to properties in prime locations, with strong lifestyle facilities whilst taking control of their retirement finances. “The swift uptake of apartments at our new developments shows that the older generation in Scotland are looking for affordable homes built to an uncompromising standard and that is what we give them.” Bield provide property indistinguishable from any other new build on the market – while still offering the option of help when it is needed. These apartments also offer the older buyer the chance to enjoy an exciting and liberating phase of their life by continuing to enjoy the freedom of independent living. Susan added: “People need to be made aware that downsizing is not a negative thing – in fact it can improve the quality of lifestyle. “It will release money in equity and allow you to pay off mortgages, invest, get your children on the property ladder, pay for future care or just enjoy life.”
Care home heroes are winning support
Two caring fundraisers from Wrexham have embarked on a rigorous training regime to do a sponsored three legged walk. From now on Chris Lewis and Laura Shone, who work for the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham, will be hopping to it at lunchtimes and in their leisure hours to perfect their three legged technique ready for the walk on June 3. They want to raise as much sponsorship money for Diabetes UK. Chris’s daughter, Michelle has Type 1 diabetes, having been diagnosed a few years ago at the age of 21. The pair have set themselves the target of completing 50 laps round the perimeter of the entire seven acres of Pendine Park grounds.
THE initiative to highlight the unseen work conducted behind the scenes by care workers is gathering widespread support from the industry including organisation Care England. Springhill Care Group, with three homes in Lancashire and Bristol, is highlighting the unsung heroes of social care who often go the extra mile for older people, the vulnerable and seriously ill. Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “It is important that the outstanding contributions of care providers, for the people who live in care services, is better understood and acknowledged by the wider society. “Every day care services make a real difference to people’s lives and this amazing work often goes unrecognised. We need to see the care sector championed and acknowledged for the difference it makes to millions of lives.” Donna Briggs, Springhill Care MD, added: “Highlighting the good work that goes on behind the scenes is something we are passionate about, and it’s good that others see it that way too.” Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #caringheroes