Common Misconceptions about Auriens

To set the record straight, Resident Advisor Emily Foot shares her insights and firsthand experiences, addressing the most common misconceptions and offering a clearer picture of what it means to call Auriens home.

1. I won’t know anybody else there / There won’t be anybody else like me  

Emily: The majority of our residents are long-time inhabitants of Kensington & Chelsea or have strong connections to the area. In fact, over 90% of our residents or their families come from within two miles of Auriens and have lived in the borough for over 35 years. This close-knit community creates a familiar and welcoming environment right from the start. 

Additionally, many of our current residents share professional, social, and even cultural connections. This means that you are likely to find people with similar life experiences, hobbies, and interests, making it easy to forge new friendships and feel at home. 

“Before moving in, I worried about not knowing anyone. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that many residents were from my neighbourhood and shared similar professional backgrounds. It's like a community within a community.” – Auriens Chelsea resident 

2. I’ll be giving up my freedom 

Emily: Owning a home is often associated with the idea of possessing ultimate freedom. However, the reality is that a home can impose various burdens as the maintenance of a house is not always straightforward.  

As a resident at Auriens Chelsea, there are no constraints on your activities or movements. What many people find is that by letting go of the responsibilities associated with homeownership, they gain more free time and the flexibility to live life according to their preferences.  

“Why am I so happy here? For starters, I don’t have to cook ever again! I don’t have to wait to get things fixed but I don’t have to rely on anybody else – they take care of all the hassles. The support is there when you need it.” - Auriens Chelsea resident 

"Everything here is taken care of and I don’t have to worry about them – I can concentrate on relaxing and all the things I want to do, such as swimming every day at 11 am, which is a new discipline I’ve established since moving in. It’s not something I’d be doing if I’d stayed in my house." - Auriens Chelsea resident  

3. You must be retired to live at Auriens  

Emily: While most independent living communities do have an age requirement, retirement is not a prerequisite for moving in. Many of our residents are still actively engaged in their professional careers, as well as those who dedicate their time to philanthropic and charitable pursuits. 

 4. I won’t have any privacy  

Emily: Your apartment is very much your home and you are in complete control of how much privacy you have. Residents have the choice of how much or how little time alone they want each day and are free to choose the level of involvement they want in the community. However, if you do feel like socialising, all you have to do is step outside your apartment.  

“I was quite resistant to coming here and now I don’t know why. They asked me to various events before I decided to move here and I thought this was wonderful. I had worried it would all be organised as I’ve always been very independent, but it’s my home and I can do what I want!” - Auriens Chelsea resident 

“Every morning I wake up and think ‘I’m so glad I live here’. I’m in my own bed, surrounded by my own furniture and if I feel like being on my own, I can be. If I want companionship, I can have as much or as little of it as I want. Likewise for service or support.” - Auriens Chelsea resident 

5. Only frail people live there  

Emily: We’re often confused with an institutional nursing home and that we’re only meant for those with health problems. This isn’t the case; Auriens provides a stress-free way of living where you don’t have to worry about the hassles of home upkeep, giving you more time to focus on your passions, enjoy convenient services, or experience an enriching social life. However, should a healthcare need arise, our team is able to provide support or coordinate what’s needed. 

“Coming here isn’t the end of the story – it’s the beginning of a new story. It’s great to be starting a new chapter (at this age).” - Auriens Chelsea resident 

6. I don’t need to move to Auriens until my health declines 

Emily: Choosing to relocate proactively gives you increased autonomy. Delaying the decision until confronted with a potential illness or a health crisis may mean that you or your family will need to select a community based on its availability rather than its desirability. 

“People say ‘I’m too young to be here, or too fit’ but actually, that’s the time to come here to Auriens and enjoy it while you can as there’s so much going on, although of course you can just come and use it as your home as well.” - Auriens Chelsea resident 

7. I'll lose touch with my friends and family 

Emily: Some worry that moving will isolate them from their existing social network. In reality, Auriens actively encourages visits from friends and family, offering guest accommodations and communal spaces for gatherings. Additionally, the social activities and community events provide ample opportunities to maintain an active social life and to build new friendships. 

By addressing these common misconceptions, we hope to provide a clearer picture of what life at Auriens can truly offer. Our goal is to ensure that potential residents feel confident and informed when making this important decision. 

If there are any other questions you’d like to ask, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with David Simpson at david.simpson@auriens.com or on 07917 352411.