ARCO

Who we are

The Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) is the main body representing the retirement community sector in the UK. A retirement community is a place where older people can live independently in their own homes while also being part of a wider community. Residents are enabled to take advantage of personalised and flexible care if needed, a 24-hour staffing presence is at hand, as well as having access to a variety of services and shared amenities. Our members aim to provide a home for life, where residents can age in place and step up and step down support as needed wherever possible.

ARCO continually strives to:

• Promote confidence in the sector by setting rigorous standards for retirement communities and actively enforcing these through robust self-regulation through the ARCO Consumer Code and the associated Standards and Compliance Framework.
• Raise awareness of the 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 public policies enable the sector to meet the housing, lifestyle, health, and social care needs of our ageing population effectively.
• Increase the volume and quality of expertise within the sector by investing in and undertaking research to better understand and promote the socio-economic value of the housing-with-care model, and identifying and sharing good practice among members, affiliates, stakeholders, and across the wider sector.