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

(204 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

Pittcity Mon 09-Nov-20 11:15:01

We are looking to downsize from a family house but feel that we are still too young for a retirement community. The associated extra costs also put us off.
What is the average age of the residents?

quizqueen Thu 12-Nov-20 02:02:06

Would I be able to come and go as I please? I sometimes stay out till after midnight.

Hetty58 Thu 12-Nov-20 04:38:47

What could be more unnatural than being surrounded by elderly people? It must be quite a shock for those who've been independent and happily living in mixed communities to suddenly find themselves expected to join in with all the jolly activities. I wouldn't like it at all!

luvlyjubly Thu 12-Nov-20 07:47:38

Is it true that when you are selling, the resident has to sell back to McCarthy & Stone at a price dictated by them as opposed to on the open market?

Nannylovesshopping Thu 12-Nov-20 08:50:22

I’ve heard that everyone has to have the same furniture, is this true?

Lollin Thu 12-Nov-20 08:58:15

Does mccarthy & stone take a percentage from any resale?

chris8888 Thu 12-Nov-20 10:50:31

I would not like it, I need a mixture of age groups and like to see the kids playing outside.

Lorraine1602 Thu 12-Nov-20 11:21:29

Can you move from one McCarthy & Stone house without having to pay a selling fee?

EliseC465 Thu 12-Nov-20 12:50:51

What about ongoing fees on top of the purchase price? How much on average a year?

Cs783 Thu 12-Nov-20 14:43:21

Yes clarity on running costs then resale value please.

Molly10 Thu 12-Nov-20 15:56:20

Always a worry in developments like this is service charges and whether these are hidden or likely to increase greatly.

How does McCarthy and Stone approach this and any increases?

fevertree Thu 12-Nov-20 20:43:34

Does the situation ever arise where a person can no longer afford to live in this type off accommodation e.g. if they live to a really ripe old age and the levy costs keeps going up - what happens to them then?

carole01 Fri 13-Nov-20 10:00:49

Do you have a reasonably costed rental option?

mbody Fri 13-Nov-20 10:03:10

What percentage increase is applied annually to service costs?

NotSpaghetti Fri 13-Nov-20 10:04:59

Is there a guarantee that all services will remain in place? I'm thinking of communal benefits such as gyms pools and activities.

Grandmacong Fri 13-Nov-20 10:14:47

What if in later years you need nursing care - is that available or would you have to sell up and move to a nursing care home?

Roz291 Fri 13-Nov-20 10:16:16

I think that at sometime I would like the security these sites offer but could never imagine a life without a cat or dog, are pets allowed?

Coconut Fri 13-Nov-20 10:26:15

It does sound an ideal solution for those in the “Autumn” of their lives and beyond. The running costs will of course be pivotal for many before they decide. It is definitely something I would consider if/when I get evicted from my granny annexe ?

Missingmoominmama Fri 13-Nov-20 10:28:25

Is there always a warden on duty, and would residents have a call button if, for instance, they fell, or were taken ill suddenly?

burwellmum Fri 13-Nov-20 10:30:06

What are the average ongoing fees? Do you take a fee when properties are sold on?

Ngaio1 Fri 13-Nov-20 10:32:12

If the property is resold, does it have to be sold back to McCarthy & Stone?

AlysonH Fri 13-Nov-20 10:32:23

What is the ratio of married/single/male/female residents? Please.

Rachand Fri 13-Nov-20 10:33:25

I think retirement villages are generally a good ideal, especially in these days were families are scattered across the country/globe. However, I get the feeling they are just so expensive for most people to even consider, with not just the initial expense of purchasing your flat, but the ongoing never ending service charges?

lurchergirl Fri 13-Nov-20 10:41:00

Can residents have grandchildren to stay during school holidays? I like my peace and quiet and would not want noisy children thundering about!