Find Assisted Living Facilities Near You | 10 Best UK Properties
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Assisted living facilities and homes enable people to continue living an independent lifestyle, while still having support with day-to-day tasks such as washing and cleaning, along with personal care if needed.
Here, we’ve explained exactly what assisted living is, who it’s aimed at and what’s on offer. We’ve also highlighted the 10 best assisted living properties that we offer throughout the UK!
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In this article:
- What is assisted living?
- Who is it aimed at?
- What’s on offer?
- What to consider before moving into assisted living
- Find assisted living near you
What Is Assisted Living?
Like care homes, assisted living developments provide around-the-clock support. Personal care is given, including help with bathing, using the toilet and medication management. Domestic support such as assistance with cleaning, cooking and shopping is also provided where needed. However, residents usually live in self-contained flats, rather than in suites.
This support will enable you to continue living life to the fullest and is tailored to your or your loved one’s individual needs.
There are also activity programmes and events which encourage residents to form friendships with each other and stay engaged.
Who Is Assisted Living Aimed At?
Just like other forms of retirement living, assisted living is aimed at people above a certain age. This varies from development to development, but is often 55 or 60 and above.
Assisted living is aimed at people with some care needs who would benefit from additional support on a day-to-day basis, or as and when it’s needed.
Many assisted living homes have wheelchair access throughout, making them perfect for people with limited mobility.
Assisted living usually isn’t suitable for people with a cognitive condition such as dementia. In this case, a dementia care home would likely be more suitable. Though, some facilities are able to provide the necessary care.
What’s Offered At An Assisted Living Facility?
Some of the most common features of assisted living accommodation include:
- 24/7 call systems (to be used whenever needed)
- Further assistance through a scheme manager (this is often known as warden-controlled housing) or a team of support staff
- Communal lounges
- Social activities for residents to take part in
- Wheelchair access
Many of our retirement homes that offer assisted living properties also have:
- Cafés and restaurants
- Courtyards and landscaped gardens
- Cinema rooms
- Gyms or fitness suites
- Libraries
- Beauty salons
What To Consider Before Moving Into Assisted Living Housing
Location - Do you want to continue living nearby, or would you prefer to move somewhere completely different? You’ll also want to think about what this assisted living development is near, such as public transport, shops, recreational activities, restaurants and cafés
Budget - You’ll want to weigh up all the costs to decide whether a home is affordable. Along with monthly rental or purchasing costs, you may also have to pay for utility bills, service charges and deferred management fees
Property size - How many bedrooms does the property contain? Many assisted living homes have one, two or even three bedrooms. A property’s square footage will give you the best idea of size, and it’s also important to find out if this property can accommodate wheelchair users
Your care needs - Whether assisted living is suitable depends on your care needs. A care home ensures you’re looked after 24/7, while assisted living is one step down from this, with personal care and domestic assistance available to those who need it
Find An Assisted Living Home Near You
We've partnered with assisted living providers across the UK. Below we've rounded up the best assisted living properties across the UK.
This assisted living comes in the form of personal care and domestic assistance, both of which are available through the properties below at an additional cost, depending on your needs.
Our retirement properties offering assisted living aren’t regulated by the Care Quality Commission, but many are partnered with ARCO (the main body representing the UK retirement community sector).
- Magpie Court in Bristol
- Mayford Grange in Woking, Surrey
- Riverstone Fulham in Fulham, London
- Eden Court in Battersea, London
- Shenfield Village in Brentwood, Essex
- Lowe House in Knebworth, Hertfordshire
- Hagley Road Village in Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Matcham Grange in Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Balshaw Court in Leyland, Lancashire
- Elderton Place in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
Magpie Court in Bristol
Magpie Court in Bristol is a brilliant place to live in later life. This retirement community offers a greater level of support to those who need it, including personal care and additional services such as domestic support.
Surrounded by lots of greenery, Magpie Court is a lovely place to retire, with idyllic spots like Hencliff Wood nearby.
Residents at Magpie Court will often spend their days in communal facilities such as the communal lounge and gardens, while others choose to be pampered in the luxurious beauty salon.
Meanwhile, the residential areas next to Magpie Court, such as Kingswood and St George, are popular areas to explore and are packed with independent shops and delicious eateries alike!
Magpie Court at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care services, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship care
Development size and property types available - 53 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £2,250 (to rent)
Facilities - A communal lounge, landscaped gardens, balconies for relaxation, a beauty salon and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Magpie Court?
For availability and pricing, call 01823212378.
We can help you find the perfect UK retirement home. Use our free service to filter by location, price, the facilities available, purchase type and more!
Mayford Grange in Woking, Surrey
Mayford Grange is located in the Surrey town of Woking, just south of the centre. When living in Mayford Grange, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Along with state-of-the-art facilities like a café and restaurant, a cinema room, a communal lounge and a beauty salon, residents will also have access to personal care and domestic support alike, including assistance with daily living and taking medication.
At Mayford Grange, you can continue enjoying the things you love within a low-maintenance environment while also being supported by friendly and compassionate staff where needed.
Mayford Grange contains a range of spacious one and two-bedroom flats on the ground floor and first floor.
Mayford Grange at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 42 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £315,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £375,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £4,560 per month for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a cinema, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a library, a salon and wheelchair access throughout. Room service is also available
Are you interested in viewing Mayford Grange?
For availability and pricing, call 01483 947314.
Riverstone Fulham in Fulham, London
Offering assisted living to those who require it, Riverstone Fulham in the heart of West London is exclusively aimed at people aged 65 and over. Here, residents live independently, while still being supported with their personal care needs where necessary.
Situated on the north bank of the River Thames, it’s difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting to live in later life than the one provided at Riverstone Fulham.
Each apartment within Riverstone Fulham has a bright and spacious feel, along with elegant decor that can be styled to create your dream retirement property.
Riverstone Fulham also has a 24/7 call system (so support is always available if needed) and wheelchair access throughout. Room service is even provided!
Riverstone Fulham at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 161 one, two and three-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £790,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £860,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £2,225,000 for a three-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a cinema, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a library, a salon, a spa and wheelchair access throughout. Transport out of the community and room service are also offered
Are you interested in viewing Riverstone Fulham?
For availability and pricing, call 02038 354745.
Eden Court in Battersea, London
A retirement village in Battersea, Wandsworth, Eden Court offers a range of amazing retirement apartments where residents can take advantage of assisted living and Independent Living alike.
Not only does Eden Court have state-of-the-art facilities, but there’s also a care home located nearby for older adults with greater care needs.
Eden Court is in a lovely location as well - just a short walk from the popular Battersea Park.
The 28 one and two-bedroom assisted living apartments have been designed with older adults in mind, thanks to roomy living spaces, fitted kitchens and easy-to-access bathrooms.
Eden Court at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 28 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £425,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £625,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a cinema, a communal lounge, a courtyard, a fitness suite, a library, a salon and wheelchair access throughout. Room service is also available
Are you interested in viewing Eden Court?
For availability and pricing, call 01294 442072.
Shenfield Village in Brentwood, Essex
Not only is Shenfield Village packed with plenty for residents to enjoy, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to continue living in your own home, while still having access to whatever care you need.
The 55 one and two-bedroom apartments at Shenfield Village have been designed with assisted living in mind. These apartments effortlessly combine practicality and luxury, with balconies, plenty of storage spaces and easy-to-reach sockets all featuring.
This retirement development has a 24/7 call system for emergencies, and staff are also on hand around the clock to support you with compassion and dignity.
Shenfield Village is located in the heart of Brentwood, Essex, and is close to local amenities and plenty of stunning green spaces as well.
Shenfield Village at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care services, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship care
Development size and property types available - 55 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £565,000 (to buy)
Facilities - A bar, a cinema, a library, a beauty salon, balconies, a café/restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a spa and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Shenfield Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01277 584441.
Lowe House in Knebworth, Hertfordshire
Thanks to the development’s friendly on-site manager, peace of mind is provided at Lowe House in Knebworth, Hertfordshire. It’s this person’s job to provide any support or advice you might need.
With personal care and domestic help also available at an additional cost (one hour a week of domestic assistance is included in the service charge), Lowe House is the perfect place to enjoy assisted living in the East of England.
The one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments at Lowe House are designed with older adults in mind, containing luxurious yet safe shower rooms, call-entry systems and fitted kitchens alike.
Lowe House at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 47 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £349,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £492,200 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £3,190 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (to rent)
Facilities - 24/7 call system, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, a landscaped garden, a salon and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Lowe House?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300612.
Hagley Road Village in Edgbaston, Birmingham
Managed by ExtraCare, Hagley Road Village provides care to residents who have been assessed as needing it - whether that’s right now or in the future. This assisted living care is available throughout the day and at night alike.
A large retirement village in the heart of Birmingham, Hagley Road contains 240 one and two-bedroom apartments, each of which has its own hallway, living room, kitchen and shower room. What’s more, many of these apartments even have their balconies or own shared patio areas!
Hagley Road Village is aimed at people over 55 years old, with lots of social opportunities available for residents as well, along with a games room, restaurant, gym and library that are all on-site.
Hagley Road Village at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 240 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £137.500 for a one or two-bedroom apartment (50% shared ownership)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, a courtyard, a gym, a library, a salon and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Hagley Road Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01217 282346.
Matcham Grange in Harrogate, North Yorkshire
The low-maintenance assisted living properties at Matcham Grange in Harrogate, North Yorkshire are aimed at those aged 70 and over. Here, staff are available on-site 24/7. What’s more, you’ll also benefit from flexible care and support packages tailored to your specific preferences and needs. Weekly domestic assistance is even available.
Matcham Grange is the perfect place to spend your golden years and socialise with similarly-aged individuals, thanks to stunning apartments, a bistro-style restaurant and beautiful gardens.
Harrogate itself is a lovely place to live as well, and you’ll also be close to popular green spaces like the Valley Gardens and RHS Garden Harlow Carr, both of which can be found in the town centre.
Matcham Grange at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 52 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £285,999 for a one-bedroom apartment and £408,999 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, a bar, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Matcham Grange?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300567.
Balshaw Court in Leyland, Lancashire
Balshaw Court is known as one of the best places for retirees to live in Lancashire, including those looking for assisted living. Flexible care packages are available that can be customised to suit individual needs. What’s more, Balshaw Court’s CQC-qualified team are on-site around-the-clock to provide whatever support is needed.
Balshaw Court in Leyland is also ideally suited to people with limited mobility, thanks to having lifts to all floors and wheelchair accessibility throughout the development.
Balshaw Court is exclusively aimed at people aged over 70. Here, you’ll find 62 luxurious one and two-bedroom flats. What’s more, the Estate Manager will organise a range of fun social events, and there are also plenty of communal spaces for socialising with other residents.
Balshaw Court at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 62 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £189,999 for a one-bedroom apartment and £269,999 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a salon and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Balshaw Court?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300602.
Elderton Place in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
At Elderton Place in Whitley Bay, the McCarthy Stone Plus Scheme includes one hour of weekly domestic support as part of the service charge. Flexible care packages are also available for residents looking for assisted living, including support with things like taking medication and getting in and out of bed.
This brand-new retirement development contains 37 one-bedroom and 27 two-bedroom apartments, many of which have a private patio or balcony.
Elderton Place is also close to amenities such as delicious restaurants and convenient shops, making it one of the very best places to retire in Tyne and Wear.
Elderton Place at a glance:
Care and support available - Personal care, domestic help, 24/7 on-site support and companionship
Development size and property types available - 64 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £262,699 for a one-bedroom apartment and £299,999 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a library and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Elderton Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300622.
Retirement living developments offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for older adults. Request a free retirement living shortlist and we’ll recommend retirement properties matching your budget, location and desired facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s classed as assisted living?
Also known as ‘extra-care housing’ or ‘very sheltered housing’, residents in an assisted living facility will often live in a self-contained flat. Here, you’ll be largely independent, but will also have access to services such as personal care and domestic assistance, as well as hot meals.
What’s the highest level of care provided through assisted living?
The highest level of care provided through assisted living is when a resident needs round-the-clock personal care and additional assistance. This support often requires more than one caregiver.
What age is best for assisted living?
Assisted living facilities and homes will often have a minimum age requirement, such as 55+, 65+ or higher. Meanwhile, the majority of older adults choose to move into these properties between their mid-70s and mid-80s.
However, there’s no set age at which you should make the move. Everybody is different. Some people will move at a younger age, some at an older age and many not at all.
What’s the difference between sheltered and assisted living?
Assisted living usually provides a greater level of support than sheltered housing schemes. In both of these accommodation types though, residents are still able to live independently.
Do you have to pay for assisted living in the UK?
Usually, you do have to pay for assisted living in the UK. However, the amount you’ll pay depends on the individual service provider and which services you require, such as personal care or domestic support.
Who qualifies for social housing in the UK?
To qualify for social housing in the UK, you need to be aged 18 years or over. Beyond this, each local council sets its own rules on who is eligible and who is given priority. To learn more, find your local council to see what the rules are in your area.
