The Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) has launched Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) as a new term for the housing with care sector.
The move follows research on the views of older people that showed they were “fed up” with outdated terminology, it said.
ARCO consulted with 600 people aged 55 to 75+ year olds across England and found existing terms are confusing and at times offputting, leaving them “unclear and uninspired” when considering an ever growing number of new living options now available.
The organisation will work with members and the wider sector to support the adoption of the new term, including providing a clear toolkit and guide to language as well as infographics to describe the differences.
Taking on respondents’ recommendations for new terminology, ARCO has called on the sector and government to use IRC to describe the new form of specialist housing, which its members provide for over 78,000 older people across the UK and plan to provide to a 250,000 people over the coming years.
ARCO said IRC offer older people the opportunity to live independently in their own home as part of a wider community, with lifestyle, wellbeing and care services.
These communities are the “fast-emerging lifestyle option” for older people, it said, sitting between ‘sheltered housing’ where minimal support is provided, and ‘care’ or ‘nursing’ homes, which are increasingly focussed on supporting people with higher levels of care needs.
“Our research shows that 8 out of 10 older people are interested in housing and care options which will help them to retain their independence, enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle as part of a wider community,” said ARCO executive director Michael Voges.
“People want facilities such as cafés and restaurants, optional activities and social links, with care available if they need it. Integrated Retirement Communities provide this choice at a rage of price points but awareness remains low,” he added.
