personal finance

A fresh start with McCarthy & Stone


When Sylvie Morgan’s husband, John, died four years ago, she felt the inevitable loneliness of loss. But she also became determined not to allow that loneliness to become a defining feature of the rest of her life.

‘After I lost John to Parkinson’s disease, of course, I felt very low,’ says Sylvie, 74. ‘I had a lovely home, my two daughters and friends all around me, yet I still felt on my own. I started to think: ‘Is this really it?’

A trip to Tenby – and a new way of life 

Sylvie had remained involved with the local Parkinson’s group that supported her throughout John’s illness, and in 2016 organised an overnight trip for members to Tenby in Wales.

During an advance visit to check out the hotel they’d stay at, the idea she could move there was planted. ‘I stumbled across McCarthy & Stone’s Paxton Court development, and on a complete whim took a look at what they offered,’ Sylvie explains.

‘The thought of moving hadn’t crossed my mind. Yet, when I saw the lovely apartments I felt this sudden rush of excitement as I imagined upping sticks and starting afresh.’

Back home, it struck Sylvie that wherever she lived going forwards, she would be alone. ‘John and I had been married for 52 years, and I was always going to miss him,’ she explains. ‘But that didn’t mean I couldn’t start again.

‘I’d been given a glimpse of a different way of living – one where I could enjoy the privacy of my own home, while having like-minded, similarly aged people living around me.’

Downsizing and delighted

Despite not knowing a soul in Tenby, Sylvie decided to sell her home – a pretty three-bedroomed cottage in Tetbury – and three years ago made the 150-mile move to Paxton Court.

‘I saw it as an adventure and haven’t looked back,’ she insists. ‘My apartment is perfect, and I love how there’s always someone knocking about to say hello to and have a chat with.

‘There’s a great sense of community here: homeowners get together to enjoy fish and chip suppers and coffee mornings in the shared lounge and, while there’s no pressure to join in, we all look out for each other.

‘The grounds are beautiful, and looked after for us, and I don’t have any maintenance worries. We have a lovely House Manager who makes sure everything runs very smoothly.

‘I’ve made some great new friends, while my old pals often visit and can stay in my spare bedroom. Life here is absolute perfection.’

Come & See 
Call 0800 810 0051 to visit one of our developments or for a free brochure, or visit McCarthy & Stone.

The heart of your community

Mr & Mrs Rhodes, Homeowners

Our Managers are a key part of the friendly community that evolves at each development. They keep a close eye on things and ensure the development runs smoothly, so you have more time to do the things you want to do.

At Retirement Living and Retirement Living PLUS properties, our homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds: the peace and privacy of their own luxury apartment, along with the option to join in with various social activities should they choose too.

Don’t miss out on your entitlements

Since joining McCarthy & Stone eight years ago, the company’s Entitlements Advisor, Colin Cuthbert, has helped thousands of homeowners secure more than £10 million in additional income. This is money many hadn’t realised they were entitled to, while the sheer bureaucracy of the application process had put countless others off.

‘These are funds that homeowners are entitled to and that are intended to help them continue to live independently,’ explains Colin. ‘It can mean the difference between taking a taxi to hospital appointments rather than waiting for a bus, or allowing you to employ a cleaner while you invest that bit more time in yourself and enjoying your retirement.’

If you suspect you may be missing out, Colin suggests the following:

Check your income – you might qualify for means-tested payments without realising it.

Are you struggling with mobility or a health problem? People often overlook Attendance Allowance, which is needs-based rather than means tested.

Entitlements such as the Winter Fuel Allowance and the fact that people living alone receive a reduction in their council tax are often overlooked.


Speak to your local Citizen’s Advice or contact Age UK for further information. You can also email entitlements@mccarthyandstone.co.uk.

Come & See 
Call 0800 810 0051 to visit one of our developments or for a free brochure, or visit McCarthy & Stone.

 



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