McCarthy and Stone is inviting Guisborough retirees to an open house event on Thursday 26th January at its Beckside Gardens Retirement Living development. The free event will provide an opportunity for anyone looking to downsize to the area, to chat to McCarthy and Stone’s dedicated Entitlements Advisors, a confidential, free service which has been put in place to help older people in Guisborough access the entitlements available to them.
Every year the retired population fail to claim over £5 billion entitlements they are eligible for*, which can help towards the costs of things like their weekly shop or household bills.
In the last five years, McCarthy and Stone’s Entitlement Advice Service has helped homeowners claim over £5 million in benefits, and it is hoped that this event will bring some of these savings, and help to raise awareness of the benefits Guisborough retirees could be eligible for.
Current or prospective homeowners will be able to pop in on 26th January and speak in confidence to Entitlements Advisor, Aleks Clayton, who will help to explain the process in clear and simple terms, and identify if they might be eligible for an additional monthly allowance.
As well as this there will be a panel of experts such as local estate agents, solicitors and removals companies, who will be on hand to provide advice and experience to prospective purchasers on downsizing your home, and the moving solutions available to help older people plan for later life.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the fantastic lifestyle benefits that can be enjoyed at Beckside Gardens, as well as the opportunity to meet the community of homeowners who have already made the development their home.
Liz Green, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “At McCarthy and Stone we aim to ensure that our homeowners have access to all the support and assistance they need to live comfortably and enjoy their retirement. We would advise prospective purchasers to come and have a chat to ensure that they are receiving the correct help – it really can make all the difference.
“Often many older people aren’t aware they’re entitled to anything in addition to their pension, and the thought of filling out lots of complicated forms and making calls can put them off doing anything about it. That’s where we step in. We set up our Entitlements Advice Service for exactly this reason. We would encourage anyone interested in finding out more, to drop into our Moving Solutions event and find out if they are entitled to an additional allowance – it’s quick and easy, confidential, and it could change your life!”
The Entitlements Advice Service from McCarthy and Stone, involves a full benefits check including state pension, pension credit, attendance allowance, disability, council tax, health, winter fuel, TV licence and warm home discount scheme.
McCarthy and Stone’s Retirement Living developments offer homeowners the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment, with the opportunity to benefit from companionship when desired, as well as privacy when needed.
Features at Beckside Gardens include a stunning homeowners’ lounge ideal for socialising with friends, beautifully landscaped outdoor areas in which to relax, and a convenient guest suite should homeowners have friends or relatives to stay. The development also has its very own House Manager, who ensures the smooth-running of the development, a security entrance system, plus 24 hour emergency call points – for added peace of mind for both homeowners and their families.
For further information about Beckside Gardens, or to book your place at the Moving Solutions event, please call: 0800 201 4739. For more information on Retirement Living in Guisborough please visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk
*DWP figures taken from the following report: Income-related benefits: Estimates of take-up in 2013/14