Relocating back to UK - not such a good idea?

[evianers]

We have just had some of our hopes dashed. Haven't lived in the UK since 1975 and needless to say, a huge amount has changed in that time. Were thinking about Aylesbury if we relocate but it seems that - thanks to Mumsnet - this is not such a brilliant idea. Seems that the centre of the town is quietly dying. We don't want to grow much older in French, if you see what we mean so as our children live in Rickmansworth, Aylesbury seemed like a good idea.
Two townhouses are for sale in Pipet and Goldcrest. However, as we currently overlook Lake Geneva with magnificent views into Switzerland on the opposite shore and have a lovely house and garden, perhaps moving back might make us miserable? Big pluses and big minuses, especially now with the Brexit debacle. Difficult to say. Any advice would be most welcome, for which thanks in advance.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I don't know that area at all OP. Being close to your DC must be a plus point though?

[leafinthewind]

1975! Wow. Why don't you want to grow older in French? I think that's the key. The pull is your kids, as Jilted says - but what's the push? If you're coming back, and your kids are in the South of England, it's going to be expensive, whatever you do. Views/pretty environments add to the cost. Oxford, for example, is a beautiful city, but hard to live in, perhaps. Maybe that's where you are right now - in a beautiful place that's hard to live in. Perhaps you want an easier life. And that's OK. It might not look so lovely outside your windows, but it can be lovely in your home, and you can save your energy for your family.

[evianers]

Although medical terminology is probably Latin-based throughout the western world, being in hospital {both of us in the last few years} is very difficult, despite that most of the doctors speak reasonable English. And as for the uninviting prospect of going into an old aged home under the same circumstances, well we would rather take our chances in UK.
Yes, we live in the most idyllic place, overlooking Lake Geneva with Lausanne and the Swiss shore opposite, Switzerland 17 kms down the road, Geneva 45 kms away, but this does not entirely make up for not being able to see our little ones growing up. Believe me folks, it is a very, very difficult decision!

[Andromache77]

After several decades in France you don't speak French well enough to deal with health issues? I find that rather surprising but if that's the case, yes, perhaps you should be heading back to the UK. This happens rather frequently where I live and quite honestly, it's a pain in the ass for medical professionals and an unnecessary burden on the health care system.

[evianers]

Excuse me! We have not been "several decades in France!" We have lived all over the world - presumptuous or what? And yes, of course we can speak more than adequate French, and German, and Swiss dialect and Italian and Dutch, but not necessarily those specialised words one's doesn't even understand in one's own language.

[leafinthewind]

It IS hard to speak another language in those stressful situations. I live overseas and use my third language. I'm fine for conversation, but the formalities/technicalities of healthcare are tricky. I really value the ease of being in an English-speaking country, and I think I'd value it even more in old age. Come 'home'.

Repatriation is hard, too though - really it'll be a whole new country. But this time you won't have any 'fellow expats' to help you settle in.