It’s widely accepted that retirement living is much more established in New Zealand than it is here in the UK. In fact, their sector is 20 years ahead of the UK’s and customers there have a much better understanding of what retirement communities offer and plan ahead much earlier in their life stages. 

When you look at the percentage of over-65s who live in a retirement community, New Zealand’s figure is almost ten times greater than the UK’s Population of over 65’s living in a retirement community. The number of retirement communities in New Zealand has grown by 32% in 10 years.

Retirement living has become so popular in New Zealand that many communities now have waiting lists.

So, how does retirement living in the UK compare to New Zealand?

On-site facilities

In New Zealand, on-site facilities can include communal lounges, dining areas, a library, craft rooms, a gym, and swimming pools. 

Many UK retirement communities also offer outstanding on-site facilities and gardens, which become an extension of your own home. Adlington homeowner Bess: “It’s like a five-star hotel here at The Woodlands, in Heaton Mersey. It’s lovely! I wish I’d visited a retirement community five years earlier. I think if I’d have known how good life can be, I’d have moved years ago.”

Services provided

New Zealand retirement communities offer a range of services such as housekeeping, laundry, meals, hair and beauty services. 

One of the aspects of UK retirement living that homeowners say they enjoy the most, is feeling like they’re on holiday with first-class support from the on-site team. Sharon Bossons, Adlington Management Services Operations Manager, said: “The most important aspect of our job is the support we provide to homeowners. It’s our role to deliver the lifestyle that they expect when they move to an Adlington community.

“The best thing for me is having happy homeowners. I love the fact that I can walk into any of our retirement communities and feel a positive atmosphere and hear laughter and joy. That’s when I know we’ve got it right.”

Care

New Zealand’s communities offer healthcare services such as registered nurses and physiotherapists. Clear healthcare pathways are available, allowing residents to receive medical support at home. 

At Adlington communities, we offer a personal approach to care to ensure that each individual receives the right amount to maintain independence, and tailored to individual needs.  

Having a supportive network around you can make a world of difference to your well-being. The Adlington team are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Like a good neighbour, they’re the first port of call for any problems, large or small, and always go the extra mile to help out.  

Social activities

Most New Zealand retirement communities coordinate social activities.

When you move to an Adlington community you can do as much or as little as you like. It’s entirely your choice. Adlington homeowner Ann: “We’re busy, but busy doing things that we like. We have a gardening group, take-away nights, pétanque, a book club, film nights, and games nights.” 

Security

Most New Zealand retirement communities have good on-site security, such as monitored cameras or on-site security guards, and most have emergency call buttons in every home and common area, which are monitored by trained first responders. 

Adlington communities use a secure fob-activated system for homeowners and staff to gain access to the building and each apartment has a video screen doorbell so you can see who’s calling your apartment from the main entrance. Pendants are also provided to all homeowners, and emergency fall buttons are installed in all shower rooms and at key locations around the building, alerting the 24-hour on-site team if any assistance is required.
You can also opt for a daily call from
the team. 

Maintenance 

Enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle, free from the stress of ongoing home and property upkeep is part of the appeal of living in a retirement community. 

When you’ve spent a lifetime working hard to maintain your house and garden, it’s refreshing to let somebody else do it for you. 

Adlington homeowner Anne: “I really liked the fact that I wouldn’t have that weight of responsibility for a property on my shoulders. I wouldn’t need to worry about the leylandii hedges that need to be cut down twice a year or about decorating.” 

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