19 May 2025
Written by Nick O’Donnell, Senior Associate Director at The FirstPort Group
When people ask me what makes a successful later living development, the conversation often starts with the basics: building safety, compliance, and well-maintained communal spaces. However, having worked within the sector over the last decade, I know this is just one part of the picture.
What is equally vital is the role we play in supporting the wellbeing of our residents. I’d argue that the day-to-day interaction with residents is just as important as anything else we do. Sometimes, you meet someone on-site, and that interaction stays with you, and it reminds you why this work matters. We know that older people can be more susceptible to loneliness and social isolation, and as property managers, we see firsthand the value that community can provide. It’s not just our later living developments where our residents are susceptible to loneliness and social isolation, and we use what we learn from this model to enhance our community focus across the range of developments we manage, for the benefit of all our customers.
At FirstPort, our Development Managers do a fantastic job of creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, but no one is pressured to join in. Striking that balance is key. Many of our residents are independent, with their own lives beyond the development. But for those who want to engage and join communal events, the opportunities are there, and they make a real difference.
Creativity plays a big part in that. Whether it’s armchair aerobics, breakfast clubs, or afternoon teas, activities tailored to residents’ interests are a way of staying socially connected. We support this not only by facilitating resident-led initiatives but also by partnering with local services – from Age UK visits to offer financial support, community policing talks on cyber safety, or arranging on-site flu jab clinics. These seemingly small touches make everyday life that bit easier for our residents. It’s these clubs and initiatives that allow our residents to choose what they want to take part in, and it really can enhance their wellbeing and decrease the feeling of loneliness.
A lot of our developments across the country take pride in their hobby groups – and it’s great for morale when we see this recognised across the wider community too. We’ve had various later living developments across the country awarded for their impressive communal gardens, which are usually the result of the hard work from our resident gardening clubs in partnership with the gardening contractor.
But wellbeing isn’t just about organised events – it’s about creating the environments for connection. Many of our residents move in after a major life change, such as losing a partner. For them, a strong community can be a lifeline. If we look at our partnership with retirement living provider Platinum Skies, where they have a dedicated Community Manager in place, there are lots of initiatives ongoing to support the community. The developments are equipped with a range of facilities including a bistro, bar, lounge, activity room, and treatment room. The Community Managers promote wellbeing through regular social events including coffee mornings, film nights, fitness clubs, gardening clubs and craft clubs – all of which are coordinated by on-site teams and have regular community input from residents.
That doesn’t mean the benefits are limited to the more modern retirement models. Across all our sites, we see meaningful engagement and care, from social clubs to spontaneous acts of kindness. Development Managers who are in tune with the people around them can spot when something’s not right or maybe someone isn’t their usual self and they can act accordingly, whether that’s a quiet word, a call to a loved one, or a referral to support services. That human connection often goes beyond a job description.
This was especially evident during the pandemic. Covid amplified isolation, and our teams worked hard to stay connected, checking in with our residents by phone, supporting them with arranging deliveries and maintaining a sense of community, even at a distance. It showed just how critical our presence and the support of others can be.
As the later living sector is evolving, we are seeing more digitally confident generations move in. This means that residents engage through new platforms and that shift opens up new opportunities for communication and engagement, which will continue to shape how we support community and wellbeing in the years ahead.
Looking back over my ten years in this sector, the biggest change I’ve seen isn’t just in buildings or technology – it’s in our growing understanding of what it means to support someone’s later years. Wellbeing is an essential part of what we do and, when done right, its impact ultimately leads to more connected, supported, and happier residents.
Note: This article was originally published in Flat Living.
