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

(206 Posts)
JustineBGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 09-Nov-20 10:09:13

Retirement communities provide support, safety and most importantly, friendship to those who live there. Cheryl Bissett is divisional Sales Director at McCarthy & Stone and also helped her 84 year-old mother Isobel move into a McCarthy & Stone development in 2017. After settling into Cranberry Court, Isobel’s social life has blossomed; spending time with her neighbours at coffee mornings, book clubs and film nights.

The community wasn’t halted by the pandemic and Cheryl gained peace of mind knowing that her mother had people around her for company and to reach out a helping hand if needed. With this in mind, Cheryl would like to use her experience to help answer your questions around retirement living and planning.

Here’s what McCarthy & Stone have to say: “With more than 40 years of experience in designing, creating and managing thriving communities, 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.

Here’s more about Cheryl Bissett: “Cheryl is Senior Divisional Sales & Marketing Director and has worked for McCarthy & Stone for over 5 years.
Cheryl is extremely passionate about what McCarthy & Stone offer to our retirement community, so much so Cheryl’s mother downsized into a McCarthy & Stone apartment at Cranberry Court.
McCarthy & Stone have made a huge difference to Cheryl and her family as her mum was once isolated and lonely and now has a whole host of new friends and a fabulous social life.”

Perhaps you’ve considered buying or renting a property in a retirement living community and want to find out more about it? Or have a family member that wants to find out more about retirement living in general and how best to plan for it? Post your question on this thread and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one lucky GNer will win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

We’ll be selecting questions for Cheryl to answer during a one-hour session that’s taking place on 30/11

Thanks and good luck!

GNHQ

Terms and conditions apply

blue25 Fri 13-Nov-20 18:40:24

Do you have good sound proofing. I don’t want to hear my neighbours TV through the wall!

Lorlypop Fri 13-Nov-20 18:39:00

My grandchildren have been asking me about pensions - how much should they be saving now, to retire comfortably?

hulahoop Fri 13-Nov-20 18:16:44

Sound good but don't think I would be able to afford one .

MrsHappy Fri 13-Nov-20 18:12:59

I have a 12 month old cocker spaniel. Would I be able to take her with me?

sophie56 Fri 13-Nov-20 17:55:19

In the future I am likely to be alone. My son lives in San Francisco and other relatives and friends are scattered all over. I am frightened of being lonely and unconnected. I also fear being ill with no one to call the GP or to help me. At the same time I love being alone and worry that a retirement home is more suited to extroverts and joiners which I am not. I worry that if I moved into one I would end up more lonely as the odd one out. How well suited are they to introverts?

Seajaye Fri 13-Nov-20 17:49:26

Are your properties leases or licences to occupy. Where would I find documents that detail the costs

Seajaye Fri 13-Nov-20 17:47:52

Where are the answers to the questions being asked?

nettymay Fri 13-Nov-20 17:36:59

How good is the security of the premises with McCarthy & Stone. Do they have a consierge and alarm system?

10milewalk Fri 13-Nov-20 17:18:11

Would there be any extras to pay such as service charges and if so how much ?

maryandbuzz1 Fri 13-Nov-20 17:08:43

If we were to consider moving into a retirement home, are there facilities and help with selling our present home?

QuaintIrene Fri 13-Nov-20 16:56:37

I like the idea. But never in a million years could I afford one of these places.

emmal01 Fri 13-Nov-20 16:46:11

Are you allowed to have family stay over?

ballie Fri 13-Nov-20 16:43:26

Could you explain how the Part Buy Part Rent Scheme works and also confirm how old you need to be in order to purchase or rent?

Nannyfrance Fri 13-Nov-20 16:26:37

What happens when someone gets dementia and could possibly become a nuisance to other residents. Are they forced to leave?

Helsbells68 Fri 13-Nov-20 16:21:39

Are there places that allow family groups when you are a carer for your OH and son?

Greenmeadow Fri 13-Nov-20 16:18:27

My mother lived happily in her McCarthy and Stone property until she was 96 but she did have a few problems with the management. They also took a cut of the sale price which we weren’t aware would happen.

live7 Fri 13-Nov-20 16:14:24

My mother loved her McCarthy & Stone flat and we would certainly be interested in one for later on. However we had a shock when mum sold her flat to go into a nursing home and had to pay a hefty fee to McCarthy & Stone when selling. Will this continue?

NiCH Fri 13-Nov-20 16:00:15

The idea is great, but I am also concerned about ongoing service charges. Is there any alternative plan if the residence is not able to carry on paying the service charges?

gd Fri 13-Nov-20 15:52:49

Is there any legal way of protecting your house from being used to pay for care home fees?

katieskatie82 Fri 13-Nov-20 15:36:55

can you sell it on afterwards?

plumptree Fri 13-Nov-20 15:35:24

I like the idea, but I have heard they can be difficult for your children to sell when they inherit. Also high service charges to consider. What additional facilities are typically included?

Yaracuy Fri 13-Nov-20 15:21:36

I'd love to have the money to rent a place where peace and quiet live. Unfortunately I belong to the low class category and I depend on the Council for anything related to habitation.
Although I must say the idea sounds exquisite and I would do it in a heartbeat if I could afford it.

compy99 Fri 13-Nov-20 15:04:11

Can you come and go as you please for example stay with friends/ relatives for weekends etc.?

israrbaig Fri 13-Nov-20 14:51:35

How much money would i need to live comfortablely into my 80s

Rough ball park figure would be Ok

HeatherW Fri 13-Nov-20 14:39:37

Hi Cheryl,
I have looked at the nearest development to us, which is Bilton, Rugby. Yet to be built, but it looks like we would have to be 70 to live there?

Quote The Retirement Living PLUS Apartments for the over 70s

If only one partner is 70, can the other partner not join them if under 70?
A bit like on Saga holidays, only one partner has to be a certain age?
Thank you