Castle View Windsor had to be ‘Good enough for Mum’
Just completed, Castle View Windsor, had to be ‘good enough for Mum’ – that was the vision of Robin Hughes, Founder and CEO, Castle Retirement Living, set out to achieve – and an urban retirement development with a difference. With a third of apartments already reserved, Castle View Windsor offers some of the most spectacular castle views in town from its own rooftop sky lounge, bar and terrace. One of the largest and most innovative urban retirement villages in the UK, the £50 million development provides a total of 64 apartments including five spectacular rooftop apartments, along with a neighbouring 72 bed care home, which is being operated by Care UK. With Robin’s Mum amongst its first residents, prices at Castle View Windsor start from £390,000 for a one bed to £790,000 for a three bed or two bed plus apartment with dining or study on the first-third floors, while prices will be released for the rooftop apartments shortly. Ranging in size from 605 sq ft to 1,185 sq ft, each contemporary living apartment has its own private entrance and most also have a large balcony along with fully equipped kitchens, large spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers – with ease of use and comfort key throughout. Set in three acres of landscaped grounds, about a mile from the castle with lift access to all floors, underground car parking and 24-hour reception and concierge provides security around the clock, offering peace of mind and great ‘lock and leave’ living. Regular activities and village events are being provided to create a full community environment while all apartments can be purchased exclusively by those over 55. Mum’s story Robin’s Mum, aged 85, Betty Hughes said: “Having lived in Windsor since I was 20, I didn’t want to move away from family and friends when I couldn’t manage the stairs anymore in the family home and Robin has ensured I don’t have to. I’m close to all my usual facilities and services in Windsor and still see my old friends too – but without worrying about the upkeep of the house, or the stairs – all in a comfortable new home.” “It already feels like we’ve got a great community and I’ve lots of new friends. I’m looking forward to joining all the village events, putting my feet up more and enjoying the castle views.” “Robin has always been enterprising and likes building things. He’d seen retirement villages in New Zealand about 15 years ago and liked the concept. After building a couple for other companies about 10 years ago he told me about his plan of creating his own retirement village in Windsor near our family home including a home for me. “I knew it would happen given his tenacity. He’s a force of energy, gets everyone involved and makes things work! It’s great to have moved into my new two bedroom apartment. “Castle View is so central and convenient to my local church, the town centre and friends who have been my neighbours for years. After a fall last year, the family home became too much and the idea of enjoying my future with Castle Retirement taking care of chores and running the building makes a great deal of sense.” Says son, Robin Hughes, Founder and CEO, Castle Retirement Living, who worked in the property and care sector for over 20 years before creating his own vision as an independent retirement developer: “For me, everything about the development from start to finish has been attention to detail in every aspect which has to be ‘good enough for Mum’. “I want her to be very happy and comfortable here along with other residents and retirees with as much support as and when they need it with our range of assisted living packages. Having lived in the town all my life I wanted to create a great quality, affordable local retirement village. “We’re running the building and creating a community environment. Most of the purchasers are local, so Mum is amongst friends and like-minded residents. “While along with our stunning castle views, we’re offering residents access to great local facilities such as Windsor Lawn Tennis Club and Windsor Leisure centre, a pet friendly policy in all ground floor apartments, and no smoking across the development. “Working with a first class team, I’m very proud of what we’re creating at Castle View Windsor for all our residents. Building a project of this scale and complexity and delivering it on time is setting a new standard for urban retirement villages in the UK. I’m delighted to have achieved this in my home town and that Mum is one of our first residents.” Heathrow is just 20 minutes away, while London can be reached in about 35 minutes on the train. Offering additional excellent facilities to the village, Windsor town centre is just a mile away, while the M4 can be reached in just two miles. For further information on Castle View Windsor please call 01753 378127 or visit www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk.
Care UK secures its fourth outstanding rating from CQC
Perry Manor care home in Worcestershire has become Care UK’s fourth home to secure an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission. The home opened in 2014 has places for around 80 residents and is the first older people’s care home in Worcestershire to be rated as outstanding. One of the five areas inspectors gave the highest rating was for leadership – which is spearheaded by home manager, Katherine Matthews. In the report, one relative mentioned: “I cannot praise or thank the team enough. They are shining examples of outstanding, exemplary care. Much of this comes down to leadership and I am indebted hugely to Katherine and her team.” Home manager, Katherine, said: “I’m over the moon the CQC’s inspectors have rated us ‘outstanding’. My team constantly strives to create the very best caring and supportive atmosphere for the residents here at Perry Manor. It’s brilliant to have our hard work recognised by the national care regulator. “I’m incredibly proud of the team, and our ‘outstanding’ rating just shows the dedication and commitment every one of them has to making Perry Manor a fantastic place to live. I would like to say thank you for their hard work – something which I know is echoed by the residents and their families here at the home.” Inspectors commented on the philosophy of the home, and how it focuses on residents being supported to live the lives they chose. The team were commended on their ‘can do’ attitude which enhances residents’ quality of life. One resident said: “They are great at helping me to do the things I enjoy, I’m very happy here”. A relative commented: “The team are marvellous, really friendly and take time to talk to you. They are there for you when you really need them to be.” Credit was given to the team for including residents in all decisions about the home’s environment. It was noted that the team’s willingness to spend time with, and create special moments for, the residents was clearly appreciated by their loved ones. One relative spoke about how the team had bought their loved one a musical instrument so they could continue to use their talents, commenting: “all small things in themselves, but hugely important for mum to create a sense of calm and belonging.” Inspectors noted that the inclusive approaches the team had developed to support people with dementia was exceptional, including team members positioning themselves in one resident’s reality which is orientated to their working life. The report relays how one relative said: “The team treat residents with dignity and respect and, most importantly despite their dementia, care for them as individual people with very different needs and wants.” The Care UK team had created an ‘always welcome’ home environment, with communal areas decorated to make them dementia-friendly. Different pictures and memory boxes are added to bedroom doors to assist residents in identifying their rooms. The report noted that the home’s person-centred care plans detailed information about individuals’ likes, dislikes, aspirations and care needs. In addition, the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’, has allowed the lifestyle team to arrange trips and activities based on residents’ aspirations on both a planned and spontaneous basis. For example, one resident, who had been a shepherd in her younger years, was surprised when the team arranged for a lamb to be bought into the home. Praise was given for the strong links the home has within the local community, including relationships with schools, charities and interest groups, as well as creating a support network for people caring for loved ones in the local area. Care UK’s other outstanding homes are Broadwater Lodge in Surrey, and Mildenhall Lodge and Cleves Place in Suffolk. Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, coffee shop and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. www.cqc.org.uk
