A HARTFORD retirement home has been recognised as one of the nation’s best examples of housing for later life.

The retirement living facility, Oak Grange, based in Bradburns Lane, has scooped a silver award at the 2019 Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) Awards.

The EAC is a national charity that assists older people when it comes to meeting their current and anticipated housing and support needs.

John Galvin, EAC’s Chief Executive, said: "Specialist housing for older people plays an enormously significant role in helping them stay independent for longer. The security, support and great communities have a positive impact on individuals and reduce the need for NHS services.”

Over 25,000 retirement housing schemes are eligible for the awards, which are now in their eighth year. After a regional awards round, a final shortlist of 27 developments were selected across a number of categories as national finalists to go forward to the annual award ceremony which was held in Manchester.

After picking up a gold award for being a regional winner in the north west, the McCarthy and Stone-run Oak Grange was announced as a silver national award winner in the 31-36 unit category, with the development’s supporters pointing out the sense of community and packed calendar of social activities enjoyed by the homeowners. The overall practicality and quality of design at Oak Grange was also highlighted.

Fiona Brooks, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone North West, said: “We are delighted that Oak Grange was successful at the 2019 EAC awards. The silver national award recognises both the quality of the development’s design and the efforts of our dedicated on-site staff who strive hard to ensure homeowners have everything they need to relax and enjoy their retirement years.

“The EAC awards are important in that they showcase the very best examples of specialist retirement living developments. They are voted for by the people that matter most, the homeowners, as well as visitors and staff. Their views are crucial in helping to shape how we continue to develop retirement living in the future.”