ARCO’s Parliamentary Expo turns the spotlight on Integrated Retirement Communities

Alongside residents and providers of retirement living, attendees were joined by speakers Liz Kendall MP, Shadow Care Minister, Damian Green MP, and Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK. The trio discussed the need for IRC’s and highlighted the impact an expansion of older people’s housing would have on freeing up homes for younger people and families and reinvigorating high streets. ExtraCare have worked closely to support ARCO in being a voice for the retirement living sector.

In attendance were members of the newly created Housing-with-Care Task Force who will be visiting ExtraCare’s Shenley Wood Retirement Village this week to take a look at an IRC in action.

Shenley Wood resident David Tunney commented: “The event was a wonderful chance to share experiences and our first-hand knowledge of integrated retirement communities with Members of Parliament. As residents we were able to represent the true voice of the retirement sector and discuss the positive aspects of IRC’s.”

James Lloyd, Director of Policy & Communications for ARCO commented: “Retirement communities have a key role to play in keeping older people independent for longer. ARCO were delighted to welcome so many in the sector who really do improve health and wellbeing and encourage independence. The event was a chance to broaden horizons and deepen understanding of the options available, and for the sector to come together for the benefit of society.”

At the event ARCO also launched their new Manifesto for Older People’s Housing: An IRC in Every Town at the event which is now available at their website.