City West Housing Trust have launched a state-of-the-art care facility on the outskirts of Salford — designed to transform the delivery of health and housing services to vulnerable people within the area.
Amblecote Gardens in Little Hulton has been developed to encourage relationship building amongst the elderly community, as well as a stronger connection to care services and the wider community.
This will be the first extra care scheme established in Salford since 2009 and the first in the country to be developed using the new Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund. The funding system was established to advocate the construction of more facilities, specifically created for vulnerable people.
Shadow Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, joined the City West Housing Trust on the launch day, and even helped plant one of the trees within the gardens. Mr Burnham expressed his delight in the new facility, saying, “Amblecote Gardens is a great example of the kind of facilities that we need to deliver so we can continue to provide first-class care and support for people living in communities across the country.”
It took 3 years overall to develop the plans for the facility, and the 66 modern and easy to maintain homes were created with the help of funding from the Department of Health, and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The homes are located amongst a newly established community of over 100 family homes and is within easy reach of essential facilities, which invite interaction between residents and establishes support amongst the community.
Colette McKune, Deputy Chief Executive at City West, said, “With an aging population and health and support services already stretched, facilities like Amblecote Gardens will be essential in ensuring that we can help our most vulnerable customers maintain independent and happy lives.
“The scheme will sit right at the heart of our brand new community, and will help break down barriers between the residents at the facility and their neighbours.”
Not only does Amblecote Gardens offer 24 hour care support, a team of expert chefs and on-site security ensure the residents have the most comfortable stay possible.
Specialised features have also been developed, including a unique colour and artwork system for those with dementia, which is designed to help them find their way around and identify their home.
Sensory gardens are also being constructed, with sounding water features and specially selected scented flowers. This latest feature is being built to encourage healthy sleep patterns, reduce depression, and minimise anxiety within the calming environment.
Mr Burnham commented, “Housing associations, like City West, are playing a major role in delivering a new approach to housing for elderly and vulnerable people that will have a lasting impact on their health.”
