Nursing and care homes used to be the only options for older people unable to live independently with no loved-ones to care for them.

This no longer sustainable with a rapidly-ageing population with wide-ranging and specialist health and care needs, plus a significant shortfall in social care beds, and constant pressure on budgets.

So, the landscape has been changing. ‘Care villages’ are now a popular choice for investors and developers working within the very-lucrative social care marketplace.

The model

This is typified by a mix of accommodation, from retirement homes through to assisted living units and from care homes and dementia facilities.

Large-scale developments also feature communal facilities, such as cafés, shops or wellbeing suites for use by both residents and the wider population - thus creating true community hubs.

The idea is that, as people age and their needs increase, they can move through the various types of accommodation without major upheaval.

The tipping point

Nigel Saunders, director at Pozzoni Architects, explains: “The UK has now reached a tipping point in terms of its care needs, with a larger proportion of the population being older people, rather than younger.

Designers need to consider a broad range of needs. “The care village model is becoming increasingly popular to support this varying demand as it offers varying levels of support within a single campus or building.”

He added: “With the aging population, we’re expecting to see parents from mid-70s upwards  needing the support and facilities of a care home.

Additionally, there is the potential of their younger family members who are still of retirement age, living in retirement housing within the same wider complex.

More than just bricks and mortar

Chief executive Howard Nankivell of Rangeford Villages, who have a network of care facilities across the country for the 55 to 100 age group, says, “These villages are a lifestyle choice, with added peace of mind, a range of flexible services, and a community that you can be part of as much or as little as you choose.

“Level-access apartments with lots of natural light; simple-yet-modern appliances; and spacious layouts in safe, secure aspirational settings are key” he says.

Pozzoni projects

Wadswick Green village in Corsham
Opened in 2015, this development provides a range of contemporary, aspirational and very-practical one, two and three-bed apartments set around a central building and restaurant.

The inspiration came from around the globe, including Australia, with a focus on light and spacious open living with good use of outdoor space.

Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme
This offers 24-hour nursing and dementia care facilities for 72 residents in six households on the same site. There are 28 apartments for independent living, along with a range of community facilities, including a bistro, exercise studio and therapy room. 

Belong Didsbury
A more-specialist scheme, also known as Morris Feinnman Care Village, which was specifically designed to cater to the needs of the ageing population of South Manchester’s Jewish community.

Pozzoni has designed projects for older people within the LGBT community.

Location, location, location

As well as promoting independence, privacy, and wellbeing, Saunders said that location is key,

“Influencing the ratio of high-dependency, care-assisted living depending on demographics within the area and local demand”.

“Creating a sense of community and integrating with the wider community beyond the care village itself is crucial. Providing facilities on site that are open to the public can help with this. But the types of facilities in each village aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They will be determined by what’s already available locally.

“For example, there would be no need to provide a community hall if there’s a well-used church hall or community centre nearby.”

Adapting to local needs was central to the design of Belong Didsbury, as there were specific cultural requirements to take into consideration, such as the need for separate milk and meat kitchens in the residential apartments as well as a kosher café and a synagogue within the wider complex.

Dementa friendly

Pozzoni incorporate dementia-friendly design principles throughout developments. This ensures that if people develop dementia as they age, they can move seamlessly through to the next stage without seeing too much change.

“Seemingly-simple modifications to design can help people with dementia to familiarise themselves with their surroundings and understand the location of key facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms”, said Saunders.

Charterpoint Senior Living

Approval for this £15m project is one of many recent planning approvals for care villages. The development is in Beeston, Nottingham, for Charterpoint Senior Living, Peveril Securities, and Belong.

Adrian Goose, chief executive of Charterpoint, said, “Research by leading care operators has shown that care villages provide numerous benefits for older people, including less frailty, reduced rates of depression, and potential significant savings in social care costs for local authorities.

“We know that loneliness can be a problem for some older people and retirement and care communities provide social opportunities, companionship and activities -  all of which can improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

“We anticipate that this scheme will be a great asset to the community of Beeston and its residents”.

Planning ahead

Saunders predicts that care villages will evolve to offer a wider mix of housing types for the over-55s, rather than the apartment settings seen with traditional retirement living schemes.

He points to places such as the USA, Australia and the Netherlands where “they’re streets ahead in terms of intergenerational living. Also schemes include residential apartments for older people alongside leisure facilities, schools, GP surgeries, and physio services, all within one complex.

“Also, in the UK, grandparents are increasingly becoming carers for their grandchildren while their parents are working. But many care and retirement living settings aren’t practical to facilitate this”.

Staying connected

Another trend forecast is the inclusion of care villages within more-urban locations close to all the life and amenities of the town and city centres. “This will help residents to feel connected to the wider community and encourage greater use of the onsite facilities which are open to the public,” Saunders said.

Nankivell added: “There will also be more focus on individual wellbeing services, adding value through linking technology and personal health monitoring with bespoke activity and nutritional programmes.

“We see much-more-active and adventurous residents that want to embrace later life to the full and this trend will continue.”

Shifting stereotypes

Saunders warned: “To really see changes in the market, with new housing types and development models coming forward, there needs to be a shift in the perception of care villages.

“Modern retirement living options  go way beyond providing support in later life. We need to shake the stigma and present care villages as an attractive option for those looking to downsize but retain their independence and a sense of community, rather than see it as a last resort.”