Retirement Living
Our retirement living properties give you the space and privacy you need to live independently, with access to support from our experienced and friendly team when you need it.
Moved into our homes during 2024-25
of customers felt satisfied with our service
Herald Court
“The scheme is absolutely lovely – like a different place. I am now proud to invite friends and family to the scheme.”
Jan, Herald Court customer
Herald Court, a retirement living scheme in Dudley, has seen huge improvements in the past year.
Formally where the Herard Newspaper was printed, the building was converted into residential flats in the 1980’s and was in need of a refurbishment. In October 2024, we began the transformation of this dated building into a safe and comfortable home.
“I cannot believe how beautiful Herald Court is now. It feels like I am living in a hotel.”
Alex, Herald Court customer
Customers were part of the planning stages from the very beginning, sharing their thoughts on what would work well, how the space could be used, and even visiting the Dudley Archives to find old photos to be used as murals around the building.
Although the work caused some disruption, customers have been incredibly patient and understanding. We made sure to keep everyone updated throughout, hosting weekly meetings and giving everyone the opportunity to have their say and share any concerns.
The scheme is now unrecognisable, and both customers and the staff who work there are incredibly proud of how it looks. The front of the building has also had some repair and decoration to restore it to its natural beauty.
We’ve had some amazing feedback, and we're now working with customers to build a strong sense of community and make use of the communal spaces by hosting coffee mornings, craft activities and workshops.
Rebuilding a community
“The scheme feels like a community again and everyone feels safe”
Sycamore Lodge customer
We know that a happy community is built on trust and working together to make things right.
With ongoing issues like anti-social behaviour (ASB) and an unfortunate bed bug infestation, our customers at Sycamore Lodge had lost trust in Stonewater, which led to low morale, upset, and a lot of complaints.
After introducing new management, robust planning, and incredible multi-agency work, we were able to turn things around for our customers.
Working closely with the police, social services, and other agencies, we were able to introduce on-site security, host regular customer meetings, and improve our communication with customers. It took eight months, but we were pleased to resolve the ASB issues and create a happier, safer environment for everyone living at Sycamore Lodge. Customers were also relieved to see the bed bug problem resolved with regular inspections and treatments.
Once we sorted the bigger issues, we were able to work closely with our customers to find out what mattered to them and how we could support them going forward. We completed any outstanding repairs, added new furniture, and replaced flooring. Not only this, but we were also able to secure funding to have plants and vegetables in the outdoor communal areas, outdoor furniture for customers to enjoy, and a new scooter store to keep communal areas clear and safe.
We have also trialled having a Community Champion within the scheme, which has given customers more opportunities to raise issues and get involved in making Sycamore Lodge a great place to be.
Our customers are now enjoying spending time together in the improved spaces, taking pride in where they live, and hosting regular coffee mornings and events.
Retirement Living survey
of customers would recommend the service!
This year, we launched our first Retirement Living survey. You shared your top priorities with us: security, communal repairs, health & safety, and warden call systems.
The survey also showed that most customers living in our Retirement Living schemes prefer phone contact.
From this survey, we:
- Simplified job titles and created smaller local clusters – improving communication and accountability in our teams, so we get what needs doing, done.
- Introduced a consistent, transparent staffing cost formula across all schemes.
- Launched a new five-year plan to refresh our schemes, starting with a full refurbishment of Herald Court in Dudley.
Food for thought
“I grew up in India. My mum taught me two things to cook before I got married at the age of 17. Khichri was one of them. The good thing about the Khichri is that it provides a meal for the poorest and the richest.”
B Kau, Stonewater customer
Our four retirement living schemes in Bedford joined forces, alongside the local museum and art gallery, The Higgins Bedford, to celebrate the diverse heritages and cultures of our customers.
The project started with workshops to bring customers together and discuss food that they have grown up with in their different cultures.
They reminisced about foods their parents or grandparents cooked; food they enjoyed during their childhood, and the different recipes they experienced while travelling the world. One customer even shared his food experiences during his time with the Royal Air Force.
Customers shared recipes and the personal stories behind them, which were put together to create a fantastic recipe book!
The book has been added to The Higgins Bedford Social History Collection and shared with customers across the schemes to continue cooking the dishes they love.
This was a lovely way to celebrate cultures and proves that something as simple as sharing recipes can bring people together and unlock happy memories.
