Rochester and the surrounding areas in Kent offer a variety of options for retirement living. Here’s a breakdown of what you might find:
Types of Retirement Housing:
- Retirement flats/apartments: These are typically purpose-built developments with a range of facilities and services, such as communal lounges, gardens, and sometimes restaurants or hairdressers. They often cater to the over-55s and may offer varying levels of support.
- Sheltered housing: This type of housing usually involves self-contained flats or bungalows within a larger complex. It often includes a warden service and communal facilities, but residents generally live independently.
- Bungalows: These can be a popular choice for retirees looking for single-level living and private gardens.
- Care homes: These provide 24-hour care and support for older adults with higher needs.
Areas to Consider:
- Rochester: The historic city of Rochester itself offers a mix of retirement living options, including flats and bungalows. It has good transport links, a range of shops and amenities, and cultural attractions like Rochester Castle and Cathedral.
- Strood: Located across the River Medway from Rochester, Strood also has retirement properties available. It’s a bustling town with a good selection of shops and services.
- Chatham: Just a short distance from Rochester, Chatham offers a wider range of retirement housing options, including modern developments with on-site facilities.
- Gillingham: Another nearby town with retirement properties, Gillingham has good transport links and a variety of shops and leisure facilities.
Things to Think About:
- Budget: Retirement housing costs can vary significantly depending on the type of property, location, and facilities offered.
- Care needs: Consider your current and potential future care needs when choosing a retirement property. Some developments offer flexible care packages that can be tailored to individual needs.
- Lifestyle: Think about the kind of lifestyle you want in retirement. Do you prefer a quiet and peaceful environment or a more active community with social events and activities?
- Location: Consider the proximity to shops, transport links, healthcare facilities, and other amenities that are important to you.
Resources:
- OnTheMarket: https://www.onthemarket.com/retirement/ – Listings for retirement properties for sale in Rochester.
- Rightmove: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Strood/retirement.html and https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Rochester/retirement.html – More listings for retirement properties in the area.
- HousingCare: https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200169/adult_social_care/431/care_options_for_older_people/4 – Information on retirement homes and sheltered housing in Medway, Kent.
- Anchor: https://www.anchor.org.uk/our-properties/sheridan-court-rochester – Details about Sheridan Court, a retirement housing scheme in Rochester.
Additional Tips:
- Visit properties: It’s important to visit any retirement properties you’re interested in to get a feel for the place and meet the residents.
- Talk to residents: Ask residents about their experiences living in the retirement community.
- Check the lease: Make sure you understand the terms of the lease or rental agreement, including any service charges or fees.