In own home for as long as possible (From Witney Gazette)

In own home for as long as possible

11:46am Wednesday 20th December 2006 in Witney By Geoffrey Hedge

IN the month when statistics reveal that the number of over-60s in the UK overtook that of under-16s, the Witney MP David Cameron opened a complex of retirement apartments in Chipping Norton.

Kingstone Court, in Wards Road, is a development by leading retirement builder, McCarthy & Stone, and has been specially designed to enable older people to continue to own their own home for as long as possible, and to retain their independence, whilst living in a supportive environment Mr Cameron unveiled a plaque in the communal lounge, before joining residents and other constituents for refreshments.

Mr Cameron said: "I salute the work that McCarthy & Stone do in making the most of Britain's ageing population and the thought that goes into the housing they provide. I believe we should celebrate, as it will make us a more thoughtful and mature country.

"We must react to this demographic change by understanding the housing needs of the older population. This means making sure there is plenty of choice of housing for people in retirement, so that it is not simply a case of staying at home or going into residential care, but that there are all the alternatives in between."

James Poxon, regional managing director of McCarthy & Stone, said: "In his inspiring conference speech in October, Mr Cameron touched on a number of issues, which are at the core of McCarthy & Stone's business.

"We wholeheartedly concur with the principle that senior members of our society should enjoy independence and comfort in their retirement for as long as possible. Mr Cameron called for a revolution in attitudes towards older people, and warned that, for too long, Britain's older generation has been 'airbrushed out of the picture'."

He added: "Hearing a high-profile politician speak this way is particularly heart-warming to us, because McCarthy & Stone has been doing its best to reverse this trend since the company built its first retirement scheme almost 30 years ago.

"Since then, we have committed ourselves to building retirement developments in places where people actually want to live, in the heart of the community, not tucked away, as Mr Cameron puts it, 'in places of exile'.

"The crucial difference between the housing offered by McCarthy & Stone and other residential homes is that the people who live in our developments are the owners of their apartments, with their own front doors. In addition to this, however, we offer the reassurance of a house manager and excellent security systems - and also something else, that is sadly often missing from older peoples' lives, which is a sense of community. Our residents can choose to socialise with their neighbours, and most developments evolve a thriving social life."

Kingstone Court is a development of 34 retirement apartments, with a resident house manager to keep an eye on the running of the development, a communal lounge for socialising and relaxation, a lift to all floors, a guest suite, a laundry room, and a landscaped garden.

Security is a top priority, with TV camera surveillance at the main entrance, and a 24-hour Careline system, installed throughout the building.

For more information about Kingstone Court, call the sales office, on 01608 644702.