Cheryl Bissett from McCarthy and Stone has answered your questions about retirement living and planning

I'm sure the basic idea of these homes is a good one, but I would fear being organised far too much, with a list of dos and don't's. I like my independence, being able to choose what to do and when to do it, plus I would like to know just what bills to expect, when to expect them and how much they would be - with no nasty hidden surprises.
I just wonder how much McCarthy and Stone would expect to take from any future sale and also how long you would have to stay there before you could sell on. (Would McCarthy and Stone want to vet who you sold too, as well?)

what are the fees associated with these properties, they all seem really nice and in lovely areas, are quite high price too, so just wondering what else you have to pay for, thankyou

Is there a curfew or can you stay out late? I wouldn't want to feel like a teenager sneaking home.

Are retirement homes a good investment?

do you have control of the temperature in your own accommodation? or is it set that the whole building is always hot? Also what happens if there is a neighbor dispute?

Do you allow owners to have dogs?

a McCarthy & Stone apartment gives you much more than a lovely home. It gives you access to a vibrant, caring and supportive community of friends and neighbours
I'd be interested to hear what McCarthy and Stone do to bring this about?

What rules do you have in place for stayovers for other family members?

Is a lifetime ISA worth it?

Isn't it a shock to go from living in a mixed environment to then being in a retirement living community where by the sounds of it you'll be surrounded by people of around your own age?

I am 53, and had several different jobs over the years with several veyr small pensions in several complanies, at what pont do I combine them

i rent from local council .i think retirement homes are for people who own their propertyand have plenty of money...

I've heard that in some of these communities the standard of. cleanliness, the service and support that residents receive is less than ideal. What do McCarthy and Stone do to ensure residents are happy and standards remain high, is there a complaints process?

how are the service charges? is there an on site nurse or a panic button for resident if something were to happen?

Can I have people come and stay,for example a son or daughter, for a few nights

Can you have grandchildren to stay over or visit?

Too many service charges and ongoing costs in these places. What happens when you run out of money/savings? Do they boot you out or does the council take over?

What accommodation would you recommend?

What the rules would be around having family stay, is it completely easy for them to come and go?

How often can family visit?

I’d like to be able to finance living abroad for a few years to enjoy my retirement while I still have my health but without impacting my UK home and security. What’s the most economical way to achieve this

Is the annual maintenence and other costs linked to the RPI or capped in any other way ?

I'd like to know more about buying and any maintenance / service fees....can you enlighten me as to the structure?

If you purchased as a couple & then one passed away would the service charges remain the same even though only one person would be using them?

My Nan is 86, Grandad died 3 years ago and now she's struggling to live alone. Her memory is terrible, not eating, she's seeing dead people, and we're getting very worried. Would somewhere like this be suitable and if so, how is it paid for?