
Many people believe that moving to a retirement home means loss of independence and giving into age. The very words ‘retirement housing' may well conjure up a picture of an institutionalised establishment where the residents have a limited lifestyle.
Some people are really concerned about when to leave a much-loved family home. However, for those who decide to make the move into a purpose-built retirement property early enough it can give them a new lease of life. For without the pressures of maintaining a large family home and garden, they can have a more active and full retirement with opportunities to make new friends and discover new interests.
Another advantage, and one sometimes overlooked, is that a purpose-built retirement property offers the opportunity to live with like-minded people of a similar age, while still retaining much-prized privacy and independence, which is, after all, what most people want.
For the majority, the move to a retirement property does mean something more manageable and this probably means the property is smaller than the family home. A question that is often raised is whether there is space in the new home to keep treasured possessions. While realistically everything from a family home will not fit into a one or even two bedroom apartment, a retirement property that is well designed and with good storage is usually able to accommodate these special items.
Cheltenham-based Pegasus Retirement Homes plc was established in 1984 to develop superior quality apartments for active retired people in the age range of 60+. Since then Pegasus has produced over 1,400 private apartments and has a portfolio of more than 60 developments in the Midlands, South East and South West of England.
Pegasus developments incorporate a number of shared facilities including communal owners' lounges with library area, visitors' suites where overnight guests can stay and lifts to all floors. The apartments are well designed and stylishly decorated to provide a secure and comfortable retirement. Developments are set in fully maintained and landscaped gardens that provide an ideal place to relax and meet friends for a chat.
A visiting estate manager ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the development and gives owners that added reassurance of someone to call on should the need arise. The development is also equipped with state-of-the-art security and a 24-hour emergency careline system.
Pegasus has a reputation for building quality developments that are tailored to the changing needs of owners. Doors are wider for easy access, light switches are illuminated and sockets are set at a sensible height. Quality fitted kitchens include all main appliances.
A Pegasus apartment meets all the priorities of owners and their families as well as providing independence, security and style - for a happy, active retirement. As one owner recently said: "Don't leave it too late, when others might have to decide for you - make the move early and take full advantage of the freedom it brings."
For further information on Pegasus Retirement Homes plc call free-phone 0800 5838844 or visit the Pegasus website at www.pegasus-homes.co.uk.