What is Independent Retirement Living in Scotland?

Residential communities of homeowners (usually over 60) with the expressed criteria of being able to live independently. Developments often employ the services of an onsite house manager, warden call system and feature shared areas such as common lounges or guest rooms. In most other ways, the properties share the same common benefits as standard apartment blocks or estates.

The Title Deed highlights the rules governing the development which includes the need for all residents to meet the criteria of living independently as a strict requirement for purchase. It also prevents owners falling below the age threshold from taking up residency. The model exists to create a hybrid living system for those who want peace of mind and the benefit of being part of a community of owners later in life.

Why is Retirement Living Under Threat?

The purpose of this petition is to safeguard the future of independent living across Scotland. The introduction of the Equality Act (2010) created a loophole within the legal requirements to live within a retirement complex. It has in effect, made the Deed obsolete and allows anyone to reside without initial interviewing or assessment to ensure they meet the requirements of being independent. It is not permissible under this Act, to establish a reasonable process for identifying one’s ability to live an independent life.

The result of this might seem insignificant, however the impact on complexes across Scotland is tremendous.

Daily, I am seeing individuals moving into property as an alternative to required fulltime care needs. With the increasing cost of care (between £5000 - £9000 per month) families are opting to ‘place’ relatives in retirement developments as a cheaper alternative. It is not unusual to see individuals enter the building on a hospital bed, only seen again having passed. Whilst cynical, it would be reasonable in certain cases to assess the issue as ‘granny dumping’ and a financially sound way to protect inheritance.

It is also commonplace for dementia and Alzheimer suffers to be homed in retirement property. This is often with daily care packages organised privately by the families; however, it does not meet the needs of those who require constant care. As an example, the police had been engaged to locate missing residents or restrain individuals who have attempted to gain access to other properties, fully unaware of their behaviour.

The Scottish Executive were contacted directly on this matter and appeared to lack understanding of what independent living is, or indeed the dangers being created. In simple terms, will it take someone to set a fire or cause the death of other residents for an enquiry to be actioned?

The impact is also felt with participation levels within developments. With more residents unable to leave their apartments, participation in events diminishes and at certain developments, resulted in the complete removal of any social activity which was a founding principle of retirement living. This also has a negative impact on resale prices with the buildings feeling more like care homes than places of residence.

Finally, with the influx of unsuitable residents, the burden to help care and protect them falls to the existing owners. Whilst it is refreshing in an ever-selfish society that community togetherness is still important, it is not acceptable that retired homeowners are left to cook meals, wash clothes and generally assist those who require fulltime care. Families are often absent or based abroad and with the ever-growing burden on the health service, means resident owners can either watch someone suffer or step in.

Is Retirement Living Still Relevant? 

My father Gerry (McKee) retired from a 40-year career with BT to care for his with Agnes, diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 56. Following her eventual entry into fulltime care, Gerry was left broken, living alone in a family house and heavily depressed by his situation. The decision was made jointly to purchase a retirement property in Ayrshire for him. It is not an exaggeration to state it literally saved his life. He became a member of an active community, made plentiful new friends and was able to find happiness in life. I cannot speak highly enough and the importance of Independent living for those in a similar situation as my father. It provides an essential link that remains as relevant in 2025, as it did when first conceived in the 1980s.

As a Director of Scotland’s only exclusive Retirement Management Company, I have also witnessed the benefits of the model on countless occasions and believe the focus of age-liked community cannot be downplayed.

What does this Petition want to Achieve

From significant experience working within retirement developments, the matter can be resolved by the Scottish Executive:

Any individual entering a retirement, independent living development to reside, must be able to demonstrate via a doctor letter, they are capable and safe to live on their own. This then protects the individuals but also their fellow residents.
The individual themselves should be provided the opportunity to visit the development, where possible meet with the house manager or residents committee and have a comprehensive understanding of what is and is not, provided.
Selling agents should be furnished with strict criteria of what retirement living includes with deliberate mis-selling a common problem. For example, potential owners being furnished with information the manager will prepare and cook meals. Accountability should be forthcoming to relevant agents.
 

It should be made clear; this petition is not aimed at individuals who have lived in a complex for several years and developed alignments through their time of residency. It is exclusively the abuse of entering the development whilst not meeting the criteria outlined in the Deed. It is perfectly acceptable for many residents to live independently with daily care packages. It is also entirely unfair on those with illnesses to be left alone, afraid and anxious where the need for proper care is essential. It is not the manner to which senior members of society should be treated. 

Who Supports this Petition?

There are already several thousand signatures captured across our own retirement developments, understandably many owners do not utilise the internet. The need for action has been highlighted universally with owners concerned about the general direction of occupancy. The aim is to present a minimum of 10,000 signatures to the Scottish Executive and enforce positive change and maintain independent living for many years to come. Now is the time to act.

Who Defines 'Independent'?

The medical profession, thus their required role to provide suitable certifications. In simple terms though, it can be defined in this context as someone who does not pose a risk to themselves or other residents and has the ability to be an active member of the community.