Retirement flats

getmore4less

I think a downsized place(flat or bungalow) that meets future mobility issues and can accomodate(small second bedroom) a carer is probably a better option.

At least that way you can keep controll over costs and being only an hour away you could provide care when/if ever needed for a lot of the time.

Another thing to consider is care homes, if there is one sutable near the place she buys it will simplify the visiting since you have a base until sold if long term care is required.

franklally

shellstar wrote: »

My grandparents moved into a scheme like this and it was wonderful for the first few years while they were still relatively mobile. It's no good at all though if you are thinking of this as anything but a social outlet.

The maintenance fees have been wracked up each year and they don't get any help to maintain their own property, which is a real issue for them now. Grandad has now had to go into a care home and the maintenance company were really very unhelpful. They wouldn't even let my gran wash her sheets outside of her alloted times when my grandad became incontinent.

They only work if you can budget a lot for the rising maintenance and if you remain fit and healthy. If you don't, the only care they give is to respond to call the ambulance if you fall. After this, they'll just ship you out.

Just something to consider - it isnt full peace of mind for the family, you still may need to sell up and investigate care homes in the future unless your mother never needs any care at all (which is less likely these days, with people living longer and their bodies giving up before they do).

Thanks Shellstar for your alternative experience - I was very lucky in that my parents in law lived into their 90's in their own home.

When it was suggested my mother in law went into a care home because of her failing health we had care workers come in 3 times a day to attend to her and we were able to cook and feed her between us.

It was our choice to look after her this way and we were lucky the local health authority supported us with such a good care package.

Regarding washing the sheets - the laundry room is located next to a resident's flat and so unfortunately I can see why sheets could not be washed at unsocial hours.
I found the maintenance fees were stable and annual accounts were published and sent to each resident.

The only thing that I will disagree with you strongly though with is that retirement flats are good only from a social aspect - in my opinion (and in my personal experience) they offer much more.