How Integrated Retirement Communities Are Transforming Later Life

Roz Savage MP visited Siddington Park, an Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) on the outskirts of Cirencester, to meet residents and learn about the significant role these communities play in improving older people’s quality of life, while easing pressures on the NHS and housing market. 

During her visit, Roz and local district councillor Mike Evemy were given a tour of the community’s modern facilities and spoke with residents about their experiences. IRCs provide self-contained homes for older people, with 24/7 on-site staff, access to personal care if needed, and communal amenities such as restaurants, gyms, and social spaces. Research shows that living in an IRC helps prevent ill health, reduces hospital admissions, and delays the need for long-term care - saving the NHS approximately £1,840 per resident each year. 

Speaking after the visit, Roz said: 
"My mother lived in a retirement community somewhat similar to Siddington Park for the last 15 months of her life and was the happiest I’ve ever seen her. Having friends right on her doorstep and access to communal activities, along with assistance if she needed it, gave her great joy, and gave me peace of mind. Integrated Retirement Communities support people to live independently for longer, so they can enjoy their golden years. With a growing older population, it is vital that we look at solutions that improve quality of life while also reducing strain on our health and care services." 

The visit also highlighted how increasing the availability of IRCs could help address the housing crisis. Enabling older homeowners to downsize into IRCs releases family homes back onto the market, making them available for younger generations. In countries such as New Zealand, where a Retirement Villages Act was introduced in 2003, the IRC sector has expanded significantly, with around 15% of over-75s now living in such communities - ten times the rate in the UK. 

Will Ryan, Village Manager at Siddington Park, said: 
"We were deeply honoured to welcome Roz to Siddington Park. Her visit provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase our vibrant community and state-of-the-art facilities. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed engaging with Roz and Cllr Evemy over tea and cake, sharing stories and discussing local initiatives. Their genuine interest and commitment to our community left a lasting impression on all of us." 

ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators), which represents the IRC sector, is calling for greater government support to enable more developments like Siddington Park. Key proposals include introducing a Retirement Communities Bill to provide a clear legal framework, updating planning policies to support IRCs, and strengthening consumer protections. 

Roz’s visit underscored the importance of long-term thinking in housing and healthcare policy. With the right support, the IRC sector has the potential to transform the lives of older people while delivering significant economic and social benefits. 

ENDS