ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators)

ARCO is the main body representing the Integrated Retirement Community sector in the UK. Integrated Retirement Communities offer integrated accommodation, catering and personal care for older people – and are intended to enable residents to remain independent, active and supported as they age. They allow residents to rent or own a house or apartment with all the privacy and independence this entails, but with the reassurance of a friendly community, 24-hour on-site staff team, and daily care and support if it is required. Integrated Retirement Communities improve residents' well-being, help free up housing chains, and reduce health and social care costs for the state. ARCO 's main aims are to: - Promote confidence in the sector, ensuring that all members are providing a high quality service to their residents. To this end, all ARCO-registered schemes have to adhere to the standards laid out in ARCO’s Standards and Compliance Framework. - Raise awareness of the Integrated Retirement Community model amongst older people and stakeholders alike – ensuring that all older people are aware of the variety of housing options available to them; and that policy makers fully understand the ways in which this type of housing provision can meet the lifestyle, health and social care needs of our ageing population. - Increase the volume and quality of expertise within the sector and share this with members, continually investing in research to better understand and promote the socio-economic value of the Integrated Retirement Community model. ARCO was formed in September 2012 by its Founder Members. There are currently over 30 ARCO members, representing more than 50 per cent of all housing with care schemes. Members include both private and not-for-profit providers.