A Response to The Dilnot Report

Findings from The Dilnot report were issued on Monday this week (4th July 2011) and recommended that older people with property assets should have to use part of their personal wealth to fund their future social and care needs, but with a cap to protect individuals and their families.

Audley wholeheartedly endorse the findings of the report but urge the government not to panic those approaching retirement into making rash decisions about their future care. Preparing for retirement should not be a cause for concern.

At Audley we have developed a property and living option which allows those approaching retirement to release equity in a fair way for all concerned. Our retirement properties not only offer excellent housing but also come complete with on-site health and fitness facilities, a community of like-minded individuals and care on demand – all aspects of retirement which we think are critical to retirees long-term health and well-being.

As part of our commitment to finding long term solutions that meet people’s care needs, Audley is working on research with the International Longevity Centre (ILCUK) to explore the correlation between extra care living and the impact on health and wellbeing. We are confident the findings, released in September, will help support the step-change needed to ensure future generations are empowered to make a decision on their future needs, maintaining their independence, safe in the knowledge they have secure environment to grow old in.

Barbara Hobbs, Head of Care at Audley Retirement Villages