Hanover, the market authority on housing for older people, has launched a new concept called EasyLiving, which enables older people to continue to own their own home while having access to appropriate support if they
need it.

Hanover is currently planning seven EasyLiving schemes across the country. Work on the sites began in 2005, with the finished properties due to be completed in 2007. All will be finished to the highest NHBC standard, giving extra reassurance to those buying into the scheme.

Predominantly apartments, EasyLiving properties are designed specifically for older people who want an easily managed property and an independent lifestyle, together with the benefit of 24-hour on-site support. Practical facilities are provided, such as a restaurant and laundry, buggy store, guest room and lounge area. In addition, each scheme will have a unique design feature which can vary from a cinema, a cyber-café or a bowling green to an on-site shop or bar.

All EasyLiving properties are designed to be as accessible as possible to ensure less mobile people can live as independently as they want. The external appearance of each scheme is designed to fit in with local surroundings.

Michele Hollywood, Marketing Director of Hanover, said: “EasyLiving has been developed by Hanover to respond to the changing housing needs of older people. We carried out research into what older people want from their housing, and created EasyLiving to answer their need for worry-free home ownership.

“Many people are fearful of the implications of ‘residential care’ and like owning their own home. This concept allows people to continue living in their own, easy-to-manage property for as long as they want, maintain their property investment - and get support if they need it, in their own home.”

According to Hanover, the EasyLiving concept fits in well with the government's long-term housing plans, and the Department of Health has co-funded a number of estates.

The main purchasers of EasyLiving apartments are likely to be those of retirement age, or their families buying on their behalf. Currently 75 per cent of over 55s are owner-occupiers.

One of the largest and leading providers of retirement housing in England, Hanover owns and manages over 17,000 retirement properties. The Hanover Group specialises in the design, development and management of housing and related support services for older people.