Feeling safe with community

11th Sep Lifestyle

Safety still starts with community

In 1665, the Great Plague swept through the UK, taking lives and forcing people behind closed doors. Streets emptied, fear spread faster than facts, and for many, isolation became the greatest danger of all.

Fast forward 360 years, and while we’ve come a long way in science and understanding, the rise of new Covid strains reminds us that vulnerability is still real — and that safety still starts with community, especially in later life.

Support beyond your front door

The difference today? We no longer face uncertainty alone.

In a retirement community, support doesn’t end at your four walls. It’s woven into every hallway and lounge, with 24-7 on-site teams, neighbours who check in on you, and shared spaces that are safe, sociable, and maintained with care.

Homeowner Pat explained:

“The whole set up here is so well run. I just can’t believe how settled I feel now. If I could have handpicked all the people who work here, they would be this team. When I came back from hospital they popped in, gave me a hug and said they’d been so worried about me. Two of the waitresses sent me a card and a box of biscuits.

“Our neighbours are all lovely too. One lady did a traybake and another gave me a plant. They’re just lovely people, both staff and my neighbours.” 

Whether it’s help with prescriptions, someone to share a coffee with, or just the comfort of knowing you’re not facing whatever life throws your way alone, community living offers both protection and peace of mind, without losing your independence. Because staying safe in later life shouldn’t mean staying isolated, it can mean staying connected, supported, and free to enjoy every day, come what may, and nowadays with the power of being able to make a liberating choice.  

Homeowner with a member of the onsite team

Homeowner David with GM, Jane

From isolation to connection

Dr Trevor, homeowner at The Sidings, shares the positivity in his decision to move:

“If I was talking to somebody considering a move to a retirement community, I’d say that it relieves you of an enormous amount of stress and adds a lot of positive social interaction. Another benefit is knowing that you’re going to be safe. Quite a few older people have very little self-confidence left and I think that’s bolstered by the staff here being so caring and thoughtful.

“I am so, so pleased I moved here. I’ve got back to my normal self. I’m not so insular… There’s a strong sense of community and I’ve made some good new friends.” 

Fellow doctor and homeowner Dr Cath mirrors Trevor’s sentiment:

“Having somebody available 24-hours a day is extremely important, so you know there’s help on hand if required and I find that very reassuring.  It’s good for my son and daughter too as they know there is somebody around should I need any assistance. It takes the weight off all our shoulders.”  

Homeowner Cath enjoying a haircut at the onsite hairdressing salon

Reflecting back to the first Covid lockdown five years ago, John and Marcia rejoice how being homeowners with support and good neighbours has been perfect:

“We’ve got to know almost all of our neighbours and they’re very nice people. There were about 10 of us here at the start of the 2020 lockdown and we used to go and sit in the sun or greet each other walking around enjoying the gardens.

When John and Marcia first moved in, the lockdown meant that the table-service restaurant at The Cottons was temporarily closed, so the catering team created delicious, cooked meals and delivered them to Homeowners’ front doors.

“It’s much better here than it would have been in our previous house during lockdown. We have these beautiful gardens to walk around and to admire and a team on hand 24-7 should we need them. We’re very happy here.”

John and Marcia, homeowners, taking part in the gardening club.

A safe step forward

The past reminds us that community has always been our greatest strength in times of uncertainty, not just for protection, but for purpose, laughter, and everyday joy.

At Adlington, our retirement communities are built on those same values: care, connection, and the confidence that comes from knowing you’re never alone.

Whether you’re seeking more peace of mind, fewer responsibilities, or simply the freedom to enjoy later life with good neighbours and gentle support, there’s a place for you here.

Because retirement isn’t about retreating, it’s about choosing a life that’s not only safe, but wonderfully rich. And it could begin with just one conversation.

Explore a Adlington Retirement Living community near you or find out more about the health and well-being benefits of retirement living