A study of grandparents and great-grandparents in the South West by McCarthy Stone has revealed as many as three in ten (31 percent) are pledging to lend a helping hand as 44 percent of working parents are having to take on extra hours or additional work in the current climate.
Research for the leading manager and developer of retirement communities which has a Retirement Living Plus development in Swindon – Gilbert Place, has revealed that almost half (45 percent) of retirees in the South West feel there is more pressure on parents now to make family life and work a success than when they were young, with three in ten (37 percent) vowing to help because they can’t stand watching their loved ones struggle with the pressures of work, finances and family life.
As a result, three in ten (35 percent) say that they’ve pledged to help by dropping the children off and picking them up from school four times a month, with a further 42 percent babysitting overnight more than three times a month.
When it comes to keeping the kids occupied, half (53 percent) have guaranteed to be on hand to entertain the grandkids and play games with them five times a month, while 37 percent will be undertaking a weekly trip to the playground.
Giving advice and guidance (40 percent), taking care of the kids after school (36 percent), cooking evening meals for the family (27 percent) and doing the bath and bedtime routine (26 percent) will also be under grandparents and great-grandparent’s remits.
Two in five (26 percent) will be doing the laundry and pounding the pavement walking the family pet (29 percent), with 18 percent delving into their toolbox to do DIY jobs around the house.
A tenth (12 percent) say they will pay for the weekly shopping, and help sort out finances (15 percent), while one in seven (15 percent) will put their hands in their pockets to pay for their grandchildren’s household bills and mortgage.
Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing Manager at McCarthy Stone South West said: “With parents facing increasing financial pressures they are leaning on grandparents more than ever, but they don’t always live close enough to be able to help their families as much as they’d like.
“At McCarthy Stone we have over 500 developments across the UK and many of our homeowners at Casterbridge Court have moved to be closer to families. By living somewhere more suited to their needs and because of the help our teams provide – which is everything from building maintenance to gardening, to additional care and support if needed – our homeowners have more time to spend on the things they enjoy. This means they can balance the enjoyment of a relaxing retirement with providing practical help to their children in these uncertain times.”
“Furthermore, the last thing the older generation wants to do is add any pressure to families’ already busy lives. This is where our developments offer many benefits – emergency call systems to all apartments which offer easy access to support if they ever need it; as well as plenty of opportunities to socialise at the weekly activities and coffee mornings.
“Our central locations mean they can be as independent as they’ve always been, whether they like to do a spot of shopping, head to the theatre, or are looking for ways to entertain the grandchildren. Even holidays are more relaxing, knowing the Estate Manager is there to keep an eye on things back home.”
In fact, 15 percent of grandparents and great-grandparents in the South West have moved to be nearer to their family, with modern parents faced with little option than to lean on grandparents even more during these challenging times.
Of the retirees surveyed, two-thirds (72 percent) say they are more than happy to help, while three in ten (37 percent) believe it is their role as a parent to help in any way they can.
One in three (35 percent) say helping out has brought them closer together as a family, with a further 35 percent enjoying being needed by the family, which is something that gives them a sense of pride (19 percent).
While one in five (23 percent) admit they have put their children’s and their family’s needs ahead of their own, grandparents and great-grandparents are still able to find time to enjoy their own interests with half (50 percent) making sure they don’t miss catching up on their favourite TV shows, getting outside for a walk (47 percent), as well as going on holiday with their partner (35 percent).
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Gilbert Place start from £267,000, and from £365,000 for a two-bedroom. Flexible purchasing options are also available.
For further information about McCarthy Stone’s Gilbert Place, please visit: www.mccarthystone.co.uk/gilbert-place.
5 THINGS TO DO IN SWINDON WITH THE GRANDKIDS:
Cost: Adults (15+) from £9.35 and Kids (3-15) from £6.95
Address: Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2TA
Summary: A great day out for the whole family. Follow the incredible story of Great Western Railway with imaginative and interactive displays, from building a bridge to taking a ride on the train-driving simulator.
Cost: £9.99 for the trail map
Address: Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2NA, England (start of trail address)
Summary: A spy mission themed walking treasure trail, that takes you and your family around the Swindon area, discovering the fascinating rail heritage and the beauty spots the town has to offer.
Cost: Adults go free, Kids (over 105cm) £5.50, Toddlers (85-105cm) £4.50, Under 85cm £2.50
Address: Jolly Roger Adventure, Greenbridge Road, Swindon, SN3 3JE
Summary: An indoor adventure soft play area, which includes giant slides, deep ball pools, bouncy castle and not to mention the biggest indoor astra-slides in the country.
Cost: Adult £11.99, Senior £9.99, Child £7.99, Family (x4) £31.96 – prices vary depending on showing time
Address: 11 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 1FA
Summary: Fancy taking your family to see the latest blockbuster on the big screen why not visit the local Cineworld, with 6 modern screens, snacks and special screenings for kids, it’s a great day out.
Cost: Free admission
Address: Designer Outlet Swindon, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2DY
Summary: Built in an old rail yard, this fantastic shopping complex is home to many designer shops all with a discounted price, from Nike to John Lewis, Levi to even Cadburys and Haribo.
