Audley Luxury Retirement Properties
Corporate News

Commment on the Dilnot Commission

19 January 2012

Nick Sanderson, Chairman of the Association of Retirement Villages and CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said:

“The debate on funding long term care stimulated by the Dilnot Commission is a real opportunity to take the fear out of retirement. However, if we continue to discuss funding the current model of care provision’s fees, we will be missing the bigger picture. We need a new and sustainable model which recognises that those in and approaching retirement want the ability to have their health needs met in their own homes without the fear of institutional care.

“Extra care housing is a sustainable alternative that could ease pressure on the current care system by providing a flexible solution where care comes as needed to the consumer in their own home. Crucially, extra care allows people to keep in control and the Government to concentrate on providing care to the most vulnerable in society.”

Celebrations at Inglewood as construction gets underway for new Audley retirement village

23 November 2011

Local retirement village operator, Audley, has begun construction of a new development at the site of the former Champneys spa health hydro in Inglewood, Kintbury, West Berkshire. Work on the village officially started this week following a groundbreaking ceremony, attended by councillors Michael Butler and Anthony Stansfield from West Berkshire Council as well as representatives from Barclays Real Estate who provided development finance for the project.

Designed in consultation with the local community, Audley Inglewood will be complete in 2013 and create a range of long-term employment opportunities. The groundbreaking event marks the first step in transforming the site into a luxury retirement village, with 61 homes as well as a restaurant, bar, library, swimming pool and other leisure facilities. At its heart will be the historic hydro building, restored brick by brick to form a clubhouse for social activities.

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said: “Audley Inglewood will be the seventh Audley Village and one of the most unique sites yet. I am thrilled that we have been able to work so closely with the local community in designing our village, which I hope will become an important resource for local residents.

“Beginning construction at Inglewood is very exciting and part of our ambitious development programme that will mean by 2013 we have almost 1,000 homes, and have created employment for around 200 extra staff across the UK.”

Audley secured a £20 million facility from Barclays Real Estate in October, to initiate the first two phases of the Inglewood development. This funding is the latest in a succession of development finance deals Audley has secured despite the challenging economic climate.

Comment on the Equality and Human Rights Commission inquirity into home care of older people

21 November 2011

Nick Sanderson, Chairman of the Association of Retirement Villages and CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said:

“The final report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission is a damning indictment of how care is provided to the elderly. It is outrageous that with age and increased care need comes risk that your basic human rights could be compromised. There has to be a step change in how we provide for old age. Firstly, we need greater consideration of the alternative housing options available including those that provide fully flexible care, in the home, and are proven to delay the need for institutional care. At the same time, government must work with industry bodies including the Association for Retirement Village Operators, to improve regulation of the sector.”

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will publish their final report into Home Care of Older People on 22 November 2011. The full report is available here.

Earlier this year, the International Longevity Centre published research into the Impact of Extra Care Housing based on longitudinal data from more than 4,000 residents. Extra Care housing is defined as accommodation designed for older people that includes access to flexible, onsite care.

Key findings include:

  • Residents in Extra Care housing are less than half as likely to enter institutional accommodation after five years of residence than those in standard housing (8 per cent as compared to 19 per cent of those a matched demographic living in the community).
  • Residents in Extra Care housing are less likely to be admitted into a hospital for an overnight stay as someone of a matched demographic living in the community.
  • Those living in Extra Care housing are less likely to fall. This is a significant benefit when falls are the leading cause of death through injury for those over 75. Nearly 4 million people aged 60 and over have fallen in the last two years, with every older person who falls and has to go to hospital costing the UK taxpayer approximately £2,500*.

Comment on research from the Ingenerational Foundation

19 October 2011

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said:

“The debate on how to encourage older people to free up housing stock and equity accrued within it is long overdue but it is short sighted to assume the solution is to offer financial incentives, such as tax breaks. Instead, over 60s need housing options that meet their aspirations for the future, enable them to remain independent and release income that would otherwise be locked away. The more that can be done, the greater the potential to use the estimated £1 trillion housing equity held by over 60s to fund a high quality lifestyle and avoid the very thing they fear most – institutional care.”

“Research shows that providing high quality accommodation that allows older people to enjoy an active lifestyle, while staying in control of their own home and their future care needs delivers fundamental health and cost benefits. It is time that we discussed providing for older age in terms of great housing and lifestyle alternatives rather than focusing on the financial burden of long term care and the loss of independence it represents.”

Comment on the national inspection of elderly patient care report (CQC)

03 October 2011

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said:

“The CQC’s report ‘Dignity and Nutrition’ puts the finger on the critical issues around the provision of care in the UK. Recent discussions and scandals, such as insufficient trained nurses or the Southern Cross crisis, exposed shortcomings of the existing system. The CQC revealed that many hospitals fail to meet legal standards of care and reveals that some patients are not given enough to drink.

The Royal College of Nursing’s suggestion to ask relatives to take over basic care responsibilities cannot entirely solve this complex issue. The report on the impact of Extra Care, issued by the International Longevity Centre last month, proved the positive effects for people in later life. The access to Extra Care significantly reduces the need for institutional care in the future.

The debate on long term care until now has focused on the financial burden of ageing. At Audley we focus on providing care of the highest quality, as and when our residents need it. By applying this flexible and tailor-made concept we enable people in later life to live a happier and more sustainable retirement.”

Older people living in retirement villages are half as likely to require further institutional care

09 September 2011

Audley partners with International Longevity Centre to launch first report defining impact of Extra Care Housing.

Living in retirement villages where housing includes access to Extra Care results in people over 80 with care needs being half as likely to need to live in an institutional care home in the future. This is according to the first study into the impact of Extra Care housing published by the International Longevity Centre in partnership with the three largest providers in the UK: Audley, the Extra Care Charitable Trust and Retirement Security Limited.

The report is based on longitudinal data from more than 4,000 residents, who in some cases have been living in this type of housing for more than 15 years, and is benchmarked with national representative studies (the British Household Panel Survey and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing). Extra Care housing is defined as accommodation designed for older people which includes access to flexible, onsite care.

Additional key findings include:

  • Residents in Extra Care housing are less than half as likely to enter institutional accommodation after five years of residence than those in standard housing (8 per cent as compared to 19 per cent of those a matched demographic living in the community).
  • Residents in Extra Care housing are less likely to be admitted into a hospital for an overnight stay as someone of a matched demographic living in the community.
  • Those living in Extra Care housing are less likely to fall. This is a significant benefit when falls are the leading cause of death through injury for those over 75. Nearly 4 million people aged 60 and over have fallen in the last two years, with every older person who falls and has to go to hospital costing the UK taxpayer approximately £2,500*.

Commenting on the research, Nick Sanderson CEO of Audley said:

“We welcome this first comprehensive study into the long term benefits of living in housing specifically developed to meet the future needs of older people. It proves what we have long understood. Providing high quality accommodation that allows older people to enjoy an active lifestyle, stay in control of their own home and their future care needs delivers fundamental health and cost benefits.

“The debate on long term care until now has focussed on the financial burden of ageing. Recognition of the alternative options that provide for a more sustainable and far happier old age is long overdue - particularly when it presents a means of delivering better care at lower cost to the individual and to government.”

‘Establishing the Extra in Extra Care’ is published by the International Longevity Centre on Tuesday 13 September and based on longitudinal data from Audley, Extra Care Charitable Trust, and the Retirement Security Limited. The study is the first major review to define the characteristics of residents in Extra Care housing, the health outcomes of residents, patterns of health service usage of residents and costs and benefits associated with our findings.

* The Age UK Falls Omnibus Survey 2011

Establishing the extra in Extra Care: Perspectives from three Extra Care Housing Providers

09 September 2011

Extra care housing is a model that combines purpose-built and ergonomically designed housing for older people, providing onsite flexible care that adapts to residents' changing needs. This research draws on the data collected from three providers of extra care housing and examines the outcomes for residents.

Download the report to read the full account.

Audley Enters the World of Social Media

15 September 2011

They say if you can't beat them, join them and so here at Audley we are pleased to say we now have a Facebook page and Twitter feed. We know our residents are computer savvy, with many of them regularly communicating with family and friends on email, so it seemed a natural next step for us to enter the exciting world of social networking.

We want to use our Facebook and Twitter channels to show the outside world what Audley living is all about. We have a full schedule of puzzles and quizzes which we'll be sending out, to keep you entertained as well as sharing news and updates we think you might enjoy or find useful. We're also keen to grow the Audley community and need you to tell us what you want to see online. Any suggestions, why not tweet us or follow us on facebook?

Lifeswap: Retirement Exchange Programme Launches

09 September 2011

Audley, is launching an exchange programme with a US equivalent to gain further insight into retirement living, dispel myths and challenge stereotypes of 'old folks' homes.

Working with US-based Senior Resource Group (SRG), the exchange will see a couple from Audley St Elphin's Park, swap lifestyles with a couple from the Maravilla Community, in Santa Barbara, California. Both will experience retirement living across the pond, taking part in the day to day activities and meeting other residents.

Nick Sanderson, Audley CEO said: "For too long there have been negative stereotypes attached to retirement living and we're hoping to address these with the exchange programme. At Audley, we have pioneered a new UK concept, a village environment which offers a chance to downsize and maintain independence, but with the security and peace of mind that when extra help is needed, it's readily available without having to move again.

"Retirement villages are already well established and accepted in America and we're keen to share knowledge with SRG and look at ways we can learn from each other, challenge perceptions and develop our offerings."

The couples will be keeping a record of their trip via social media channels with Twitter and Facebook updates, in addition to keeping a written diary.

Tony Gregory, one half of the UK exchange couple said: "We're delighted to be taking part in the first ever exchange and are looking forward to seeing how the US village operates. We decided to move here just before I turned 70 so we could be settled and enjoy our retirement. Our daughters both live abroad, so they feel happy we've got people around us and we can lock up and visit them without worrying about leaving the house."

Panorama: Our Thoughts

07 July 2011

Nobody who watched Monday's Panorama programme, on the systematic abuse of young adults in the special needs hospital in Bristol, could have been anything other than horrified that such appalling behaviour could be allowed to happen in 2011.

Facilities such as Winterbourne Grove were developed to provide care for the most vulnerable in society. After the wholesale closure of institutions in the 1980's and early 1990's there was a belief, and quite rightly, that wherever possible individuals should be cared for in a home of their own in the community rather than have their freedom restricted by institutional life. However, there are always going to be those who can not support themselves even with domiciliary care for whom specialist facilities such as this were designed.

The ordeals exposed during Monday's Panorama programme are a timely reminder for all of us involved in the social care sector of the responsibilities we bear. We at Audley are acutely conscious of our responsibilities to our customers and their families. We continue to review our audit processes to ensure, as best as possible, the quality of care we deliver and will continue to do so. We are though, always dependent on our customers and all of our staff to share with us information and we always encourage them to do so without restriction.

Nick
Chief Executive

Southern Cross: A View

07 July 2011

It has been sobering to watch and listen to the troubles of Southern Cross. It is never good to see such a large company in trouble even if the problems are of its own making. However, Southern Cross has responsibility for over 30,000 older people in its care homes around the country and the fear and concern the company's difficulties must be spreading amongst residents, staff and families will be considerable.

Much has been written about the role the private sector should play in the delivery of care to older people and similarly the responsibility that the regulatory authorities have to monitor that standard of care. I would suggest the problems are neither about quality of service nor the people delivering it but about the greed of corporate financiers looking to earn significant amounts of money without knowledge or reference to the sector within which they are operating.

I am not the greatest fan of the traditional care home model believing that independent living in a village setting with care available on demand and on the terms of the user is a far preferable solution. However, the staff of Southern Cross should not be blamed for the follies of the investors.

Nick
Chief Executive

Royally United

03 May 2011

Friday's Royal Wedding was a timely reminder of why the UK maintains a certain status around the world which, some would say, belies its current economic status.

Though the pomp and ceremony of the occasion harked back to great State events of the past there was something very modern about the marriage of two obviously very happy, young people. The British people always seem to show their true commitment and enthusiasm to the country on such occasions. We can only hope that it will linger in the memory and encourage people to believe in the country again. It is confidence such as that which will see us improve our prospects for the future.

It was a very active time at all our Audley villages. Our residents more than most recollect such great events of the past and their significance to the nation.

Sales Success

19 April 2011

We have just completed one of the busiest quarters for Audley in over 3 years. Sales of individual homes at our villages have been at a higher level than we have seen since the financial crisis began in 2008.

This certainly seems to be flying in the face of economic news from around the UK. Fears for the public sector and a continued shortage of funds for mortgages has left the UK housing industry in a reasonably fragile state. However, Audley is bucking the trend. We have similarly seen all of our Audley Care branches have an increasing demand for housekeeping and care within people's own homes.

We are hopeful of some good news soon on the funding front which will allow us to commence all of our projects as demand continues to grow. So although there has not been much to cheer the UK consumer recently, Audley's offering of high quality retirement living seems to be striking a cord.

Mansion Tax

11 April 2011

It has been very interesting to read the comments on the potential for a 'mansion tax' as a replacement for the higher rate of income tax. Alice Thompson writing in The Times on 30 March very neatly summed up why it is the British feel so strongly about the ownership of their own home and will resist any attempts to tax them on its value.

Housing has been very good to the older generation in the UK. They have successfully accumulated a large capital asset by buying cheaply many years ago and carefully paying off their mortgage throughout their working life, in some cases the value will be considerable but the home may be occupied by those whose incomes in retirement have been eroded to a point where they are eating into savings. To then ask them to pay a percentage of their property value as a tax seems wholly unfair.

It seems that political attempts to be seen to be hard on the affluent bankers may yet again punish those who have worked hardest to accumulate wealth in their lifetime - that is the older generation.

The future looks bright?

01 April 2011

The recent announcement that real incomes in the UK have fallen for the first time in thirty years highlights the vulnerability of the older people to inflation. The almost seemingly relentless increase in the cost of living, particularly energy costs, is eating in to the often fixed incomes of older people.

Perhaps that is why at Audley we are seeing increasing numbers of people visiting our villages who have made the decision that downsizing from their family home to more appropriate as well as cost effective accommodation is the sensible route.

We have just finished the most successful quarters trading we have had for three years with enquiry, reservations and sales levels higher than we have seen for some time. Let us hope this represents not just a reawakening in the interest in the retirement village model but the beginnings of a return to health for the UK economy.

New Retirement Living Concept Comes to Royal Leamington Spa

13 August 2010

Audley is pleased to announce its latest village site with the acquisition of Binswood Hall in Royal Leamington Spa.

The village will boast 90 new and refurbished homes, comprising of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The Grade II listed building will form the heart of the village with facilities including a health and wellbeing suite, restaurant, bar and library.

Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Audley said: "The purchase of this site displays our commitment to developing exceptional retirement villages and communities across the UK. The Audley concept is unique and we pride ourselves on providing beautiful homes with unrivalled services in an environment which offers both independence and support as and when you need it.

"Binswood will offer potential purchasers the chance to live in close proximity of the beautiful town centre with its fine regency buildings, Pump Rooms and parks but with plenty to do on your doorstep. Leamington Spa is a natural fit to the Audley portfolio and we look forward to starting work on the village soon."