Integrated Retirement Communities (IRCs) offer an unbeatable lifestyle choice for the over 65s. Yet, they are still relatively new in the marketplace and, with that comes many myths surrounding what life in an IRC could be like. In this article, I debunk five of the most commonly held myths surrounding IRCs.
Myth number one: It’s just a fancy new name for a care home.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. At Wallacea Living, you own your own beautifully-designed home, with your own front door, whilst having access to on-site amenities like a cinema, restaurant, library bar, orangery, gym, swimming pool, spa and landscaped gardens. This isn’t a place that you move to when you’re ill, or a place where you sit around in an armchair all day. It is a lively community of like-minded people who believe that keeping your mind and body stimulated and active is the key to enjoying a healthy and fulfilled life.
Each week, the Wallacea Living team will host a variety of events, designed to keep homeowners mentally and physically fit. Whether that’s trying Pilates for the first time, mastering Bridge or learning the art of print-making. Our amenities and regular events are designed to take a proactive approach to your health and wellbeing. We’ll even support you to start your own club or activity.
Homeowners can come and go as they please; we support our owners to maintain their independence, be integral members of the local community and to make the most of our location in central London. Our concierge team are on hand to help 24 hours a day to help organise travel and tickets, at your request.
Of course, none of us know what’s around the corner and, should you ever need it, we can provide empathetic support and care in your own home. Our Wallacea Living in-house concierge takes care of anything you need. Whether that’s walking the dog, a quick bit of tech support, ordering a taxi or booking tickets for an event. A member of the team will be available round-the-clock. They are always looking out for you, putting your best interests first and inspiring you to live later life to the full - on your terms.
Myth number two: You have to take part in all the activities.
Interestingly, I was speaking to my parents recently and they were asking about life in an IRC. One of their biggest concerns about making the move was what if they didn’t want to take part in the events all the time? I took this to mean, we’re independent, we don’t want to be told what to do. I reassured them that the whole purpose of an IRC is that you live the life you want. In fact, you carry on the life you have; add in the elements you want to and leave behind those you don’t. If you want to join in with something that is happening, do so, if you don’t want to, then don’t. At the end of the day, you can shut your door and be in your own space, just as you can now.
Myth number three: You have to move to the country to live in an IRC.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to move to the country to enjoy your later life. We have opened our debut IRC in the heart of London, nestled between Paddington Basin and Little Venice, close to the arts, shops, restaurants and some of London’s finest parks. Having seen the joy and genuine love of life from people who have moved to an IRC across the country, I believe that Londoners should have the same choice while remaining in the city they love.
Living in an IRC doesn’t restrict your ability to travel either. In fact, being located in central London means you have a number of airports and railway stations within easy reach. Through our ‘lock-up and leave’ service, your home will be looked after whilst you are away. So, if you love to travel the world or visit friends and family across the UK, you can do so in the knowledge that your home is safe.
Myth number four: You’re surrounded by old people.
At Wallacea Living, you’ll find likeminded neighbours who also want to live life to the full. It’s time that we change ageist perceptions of what life is like over the age of 65.
It will be your home and much like your home now, you will be free to invite your friends and family to visit, attend our events and stay over. Not forgetting our beloved pets; they too are more than welcome within our community.
Living in an IRC doesn’t mean you’re disconnected from the wider community either. If anything, we encourage residents to take advantage of our enviable location and the many opportunities that the neighbourhood offers. It’s an exciting time for the local area with many of the local open green spaces undergoing improvement, more pedestrianised areas planned, planting due to commence later this year at the Joe Strummer Rain Gardens and new homes, shops and community facilities coming as part of the regeneration of Paddington Green Police Station; all of which will attract people of all ages and backgrounds to the local area.
Myth number five: There’s an abundance of hidden costs.
We are Prospective ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) members, which is the main body representing retirement living in the UK; setting standards for retirement communities. As such, it is required of us to be transparent about our fees. We aim to form long-standing relationships will all our future homeowners and the only way to do that is through trust.
At Wallacea Living Marylebone, we have a monthly membership fee; the cost of which varies depending on which size apartment you purchase. As well as utility bills, security, maintenance, WiFi and garden upkeep, this fee covers a whole range of services and facilities which are available to all of our homeowners. These include a 24-hour concierge service, access to use the pool, discounted restaurant prices, booking the in-house cinema, shuttle to local places of interest, wellbeing services (including a regular wellbeing consultation), priority access to a GP booking portal and IT support services, amongst many others.
We charge a ‘Deferred Management Fee’ only when you or your representatives sell the apartment, which is deducted from the achieved sale funds calculated as a percentage. This covers the cost of major capital works, refurbishment and improvements to the buildings and amenities, allowing Wallacea Living to invest in extensive and high-quality communal amenities.
Hopefully the above has helped to answer some of the questions you might have about living in an IRC. If you have any further questions or are just curious to learn more, I invite you to come along, meet the team, and to take a look around at your own leisure. Simply speak to a member of our friendly and helpful team today by calling 020 3960 1000 and they will be more than happy to get you booked in.
It’s time for people to start believing that their later years can be some of their best. Living in an IRC can help to make that a reality. At Wallacea Living, Marylebone, you can have the time of your later life.
