Karl Hallows was one of the founding directors of Brio when the business was established five years ago. With two-decades working in the over-50s residential sector, Karl is a big advocate for creating communities in which our brilliant homeowners can live very modern retirements. Here he tells us more.
“I love working in this sector,” Karl says, “It’s honestly such a joy to spend time with customers as they move to the next chapter of their lives.”
Brio customers are enjoying very modern retirements; with the responsibility of family life gone, our homeowners have time to indulge in the things they love. Karl continues: “When you look at retirement living 20 years ago, it was very institutionalised; there’s absolutely no room for that amongst today’s vibrant, active and, quite frankly inspirational, retirees."
“We celebrate their mindset, creating places in which we can facilitate our homeowners’ hobbies and activities, but also assure them that if care’s needed, there are people around to assist.”
While the design of our homes, the smart tech, the landscaping and the general aesthetics of our community are all important factors for Brio buyers, Karl believes that customers scrutinise the add-ons and the services that will help them enjoy this next chapter of their lives; “We are very personable and our Brio communities are filled with helpful people; from fitness instructors who can run our homeowners’ favourite classes close to their own home, to drivers who can take groups of customers out in our shuttle buses, to colleagues who can offer visits to look after homeowners’ dogs and cats – right through to support providers who can attend to specific care needs."
"At the moment with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the support we offer has become an invaluable service to many of our homeowners, our on-site staff have been available to assist with all manner of things from delivering meals to supporting calls with loved ones and providing the assurance that somebody is there to help. Even a friendly wave through the window can help with lifting spirits and create a feeling of togetherness amongst our homeowners."
"Ensuring that our homeowners are mentally and physically well is of the upmost importance, and the teams have been phenomenal in their efforts to make sure residents get what they need. Being part of the community has given homeowners access to additional support, help and guidance, but they have also been able to remain independent in their own homes"
He goes on to say “The really great thing about our team is that those services are offered subtly and under no duress; we just make it known that the team is there and on hand; those who want to engage can do, those who don’t just have the assurance that helping hands, social activities and other services are just moments away.
“It’s a high quality, professional, responsive and flexible personal care service. The offering is more akin to a dedicated concierge service – both discreet and respectful.”
Karl calls it ‘future proofing’ this important chapter of Brio homeowners’ lives; he continues: “We respect the needs and wishes of each and every homeowner – each of whom has their own wish list for their new home.
“We ensure that we can accommodate a host of individual needs by listening and engaging – it’s an aspect of our service that I’m particularly proud of.”
Brio Retirement Living is developing and operating brand-new retirement communities in England and Scotland.
These include Landale Court in Chapelton, Aberdeenshire which is open now with homes available from £242,000 and Beechwood Park in Stow-on-the-Wold and Button House in Hackbridge, which are both set to open later this year.
Find out more about what your life could be like at one of our communities by getting in touch with our team.