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Retirement living with us

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Lifestyle & community

A healthy, active, independent lifestyle awaits within our vibrant retirement villages.

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Activities

Our superb range of weekly activities will help you make the most of each day.

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Gyms

Lead an active and healthy lifestyle at our modern and well-equipped gyms.

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Care services

We provide an exceptional level of care for those who need it.

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Volunteering

Help us create better lives for older people.

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Resident story

Pam, Rosie & Rebecca – Hughenden Gardens

Moving to Hughenden Gardens marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for Pam, but for her whole family. Joined by daughter Rosie and granddaughter Rebecca, three generations share how making the decision together transformed Pam’s life and brought peace of mind to every generation.
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Pam, Rosie & Rebecca – Hughenden Gardens

Pat & Bill – Sunley Court

Siblings Pat and Bill, who both live at Sunley Court, have found real comfort in being just across the hall from one another. Here they share what it’s meant to reunite in later life, how they support each other every day, and what they believe their parents would think about them living together again. 
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Pat & Bill – Sunley Court

Brian’s Story

For Hughenden Gardens residents Brian and Beryl, hearing that Brian would never walk again last Christmas meant a heart-breaking festive season. Now, six months later and at nearly 89 years old, Brian is back in the gym and walking, thanks to Fitness Instructor Ty. Here, the three share Brian’s remarkable turnaround and discuss how fitness and commitment have helped him get back on his feet.
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Brian’s Story

David, June & Callum – Hughenden Gardens Village

David and June moved into an ExtraCare Village in 2024. Their grandson Callum works in the bistro, which means they often get to spend quality time together around the village. Here, they share their thoughts on living and working side by side, and how David, as an amputee, has made village life work for him.
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David, June & Callum – Hughenden Gardens Village

Candace & Mildred – Hughenden Gardens

Nan has a social schedule which is as busy as mine, or busier and I love that for her! It’s so reassuring to see her enjoying herself and surrounded by great people. I don’t have to be in “bodyguard mode” anymore, and that’s a big relief.
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Candace & Mildred – Hughenden Gardens

Bridget, Alyson & Corynda – Sunley Court

ExtraCare’s Bridget is one example of someone who has embraced community in later life. She’s lived at Sunley Court for two years and calls the move “the best thing I ever did.” Here she and daughter’s Alyson and Corynda discuss her decision and what it means to them as a family.
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Bridget, Alyson & Corynda – Sunley Court

Elsie – Wixams Village

Honestly, moving to Wixams is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s given me a new chapter, full of connection, purpose, and joy. It feels like this place was made for me. What more could anyone want?
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Elsie – Wixams Village

John – Wixams

For someone living with dementia, being here is so much better than trying to manage out in the wider community. The care team know me and understand what I need, and they offer support in a respectful, low-key way.
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John – Wixams

Anne – Lark Hill Village

In 1958 I won the first ever Commonwealth Winter Games. Now I’ve retired I keep busy at Lark Hill. I volunteer for a memory group, attend quiz nights, pétanque, curling, and Otago classes.
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Anne – Lark Hill Village

Eileen Fry – St Oswald’s Village

I’ve written a series of books over 30 years mainly featuring Gloucester as I’ve had a lifelong interest in its history…I have had my own health problems lately, my eyes have been struggling, throughout this the village has helped me to continue my passion with people here even typing my books up for me. They’ve been amazing.
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Eileen Fry – St Oswald’s Village

Lennox – Bournville Gardens

After nearly nine years at Bournville Gardens Village, I can confidently say it’s been the best decision for my health and wellbeing. The friendly environment and sense of belonging has transformed my life.
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Lennox – Bournville Gardens

Margaret – St Oswald’s Village

At this stage, you don’t expect things to get better—you prepare for the decline. But it feels like someone has turned the sunshine back on for me. It’s absolutely amazing.
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Margaret – St Oswald’s Village

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is life like in an ExtraCare village?

Life in an ExtraCare village is designed to be active, social but also independent. Residents can enjoy shared spaces, wellbeing facilities, organised activities and opportunities to build friendships while still enjoying the privacy of their own apartment.

It’s a balance of independence and community, with added reassurance that flexible support is there if it’s ever needed.

2. What facilities are available for residents?

Facilities vary by location but may include:

  • Bistros
  • Gyms
  • Shops
  • Wellbeing centres
  • Hobby rooms
  • Libraries 
  • Woodwork rooms 
  • Gardens and greenhouses
  • Communal lounges
  • Hair salons and beauty rooms
  • Village halls 

3. Are there social activities and events?

At ExtraCare, we believe that the provision of life-changing activities and an exciting range of health and leisure facilities enables our residents to carry on enjoying healthy and independent lifestyles. Here is an example of one of our village’s Activity Programme.

Please note not all activities are available at every location. Contact the locations to find out more.

4. Can I live independently in a retirement village?

Yes, retirement villages are designed to support independent living, with residents enjoying their own private home while benefiting from a safe and welcoming community. You can maintain your usual lifestyle and routines, with the added reassurance that support and amenities are available if and when you need them.

5. Will I have my own private space?

Yes, residents have their own private home, giving them the freedom to enjoy their space just as they would in any other property. While retirement villages offer opportunities to socialise and take part in community activities, you can choose as much privacy or interaction as suits your lifestyle.

6. How does community living improve wellbeing?

Community living can improve wellbeing by helping residents stay socially connected and active. Regular opportunities to meet neighbours, take part in activities and build friendships can reduce feelings of loneliness and support both mental and physical health, while creating a greater sense of belonging and security.

7. Are friends and family allowed to visit?

Yes, friends and family are welcome to visit whenever they like, allowing you to maintain the relationships and routines that matter most. Retirement villages are designed to help residents enjoy an independent lifestyle while staying connected to loved ones.

8. Is there support available if my needs change?

Yes, ExtraCare retirement villages are designed to support residents as their needs change over time. While you can enjoy an independent lifestyle, additional care and support services are available if required, helping you remain in your home for longer with greater peace of mind.

9. Do residents have to join in community activities?

No, there’s no obligation at all as community activities are there to offer choice and opportunity, not pressure. You can take part as much or as little as you like, whether that’s being socially active every day or simply enjoying your own routine in your private home.

10. What makes ExtraCare retirement communities different from traditional retirement housing?

ExtraCare retirement communities offer independent living in your own private home, with more generally more facilities and support than traditional retirement housing. A key difference is the mixed tenure model, which brings together people who fully own, part-own or rent their homes, helping to create a more diverse and inclusive community.

We also operate a buy back model which can provide added reassurance and flexibility if circumstances change in the future. While care is available on site, only around 20% of residents currently receive it, so the vast majority are living fully independently.

Alongside this, residents benefit from shared facilities, social opportunities and communal spaces that support an active and connected lifestyle, with help available if and when it’s needed.

11. Can couples move into an ExtraCare village together?

Yes, couples can absolutely move into an ExtraCare village together, as long as both are aged 55 or over.

They’ll have their own private home and can continue living independently while also enjoying the benefits of a supportive community and access to shared facilities. It’s a popular choice for couples who want to downsize and stay socially active, with the reassurance that flexible support is available if it’s ever needed in the future.

12. Are pets allowed in retirement villages?

Yes, all ExtraCare retirement communities welcome pets!

We know how important pets are for companionship and wellbeing, so residents are encouraged to bring them along and continue enjoying that bond in their new home.

13. How do retirement villages help reduce loneliness?

Retirement villages help reduce loneliness by making it much easier to stay socially connected in everyday life. In ExtraCare communities, residents are encouraged to take part in activities and social events if they wish, which can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and build new friendships at their own pace.

Just as importantly, connection often happens naturally. Living in a community setting means there are plenty of informal opportunities where you’ll bump into neighbours in shared spaces or simply spend time around others without needing to make a special effort. 

14. Is there always something to do in the village?

There’s plenty going on in all ExtraCare villages, from organised activities to more informal social opportunities, but there’s no expectation to join in.

ExtraCare communities are designed to give choice, so you can be as involved as you like. Some residents take part regularly, while others prefer to enjoy the quieter pace of their own routine and simply dip in when something takes their interest.

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