The purrfect place to retire to

FURRY or feathered – pets offer a source of companionship and can help keep people active in later years.

As National Pet Month (April 1 – May 2) celebrates responsible pet ownership, Aspen Retirement has some good news for animal lovers – they can take their pets with them when they move to an apartment at Eastbank Court in Worcester.

While many pet owners talk to their animals, having other people who will not only listen but engage in conversation with them is another important benefit of moving to the luxury retirement development.

Aspen’s Glenys Bastin explained: “Research by Age UK suggests that 41% of older people say their main form of companionship is their pet or TV. It’s therefore no surprise that one of things that may hold people back from moving to somewhere more manageable is the idea that they will have to give up their much loved pet. A number of homeowners at Eastbank Court moved here with a pet and if someone has an animal they’d like to bring with them we will work with the management company to assess the practicalities.”

Margaret Richards lives at Eastbank Court with cocker spaniel Sandy; while another homeowner shares an apartment with a feline friend.

“I bought Sandy as a puppy more than 10 years ago and because I’d made a commitment to look after him I wouldn’t have dreamed of giving him up when I moved to Eastbank Court,” Mrs Richards said.

“A pet offers affection, companionship and negates some of the loneliness that’s sometimes associated with growing older. He also keeps me active – I take him out for a walk twice a day. Sandy walks through the corridor with me and is made a big fuss of by virtually everyone we meet.

“You do have to respect other people’s feelings though.  If there are rules you should stick to them and remember that not everyone is a dog lover.”

Located on Eastbank Drive, the development is ideally placed in a quiet residential area of Worcester. There’s a post office, shops and chemist close by; while the city centre is easily accessible by bus.

Current availability includes mostly one-bedroom apartments, priced from £184,950 or £147,960 with shared equity.

The spacious apartments are complemented by a range of hotel-style facilities including beautiful landscaped gardens, a licensed restaurant, communal lounges, activities room, library and even a salon.

For more information, visit the sales office, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, call 01905 455 182 or see www.aspenretirement.co.uk/developments/eastbank-court.