Bournemouth’s first sheltered housing scheme with onsite care facilities is officially opened this Friday (16 May 2008) to mark the completion of the joint initiative between Bournemouth Borough Council and the Bournemouth and Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust.

The existing sheltered housing scheme at Vale Road, Bournemouth has been transformed into a flagship facility which will provide housing, health and care support for people needing extra care including those suffering from dementia and other related illnesses as well as the frail elderly.

The opening marks the completion of the first phase which includes a communal lounge and restaurant facility as well as providing twenty flats. Bournemouth & Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust has provided onsite facilities including: a multi use room with a gymnasium to provide rehabilitation as well as space to offer day care for patients from the local community, two consultation rooms and facilities to undertake preventive work to reduce falls (including a falls ambulatory service) and an intermediate care flat for short stays of up to 6 weeks.

Councillor Peter Charon, Cabinet Member for Housing and Procurement, Bournemouth Borough Council said: “By working in partnership with the PCT we have been able to accomplish this fantastic scheme. The Vale Lodge centre will provide safe and secure housing for residents giving them the independence and dignity they deserve as well as easily accessible care facilities on their doorstep.”

Debbie Fleming, Chief Executive, Bournemouth and Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust said: “I am delighted that Vale Lodge is now officially open for local older people.  Having health and care facilities on a single site is far better for patients and the Vale Lodge facility will help older people to stay healthier for longer.  Partnership working between the local authority and the NHS brings real benefits and I hope we will see a number of similar developments across the area to help reduce unnecessary admissions to hospital and enable people to maintain their independence within their own homes.”

The scheme has been developed in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council Housing Landlord Services and Adult and Community Services together with Bournemouth and Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust.

Notes

Benefits of Vale Lodge through multi-agency working

Provide residents with a secure good quality, safe housing for as long as the residents can maintain their own independence

Utilise telecare technology to support effective service delivery

Contribute to the development of a range of preventative services

Increase resident independence and dignity

Reduce acute hospital admissions

Reduce accidents and falls in the home

Support hospital discharge / intermediate care

Increase client re-assurance, less risk-avers policies responsive to lifestyles

Contribute to wider health, housing and social care policy agenda.

Services incorporated within the building

Residential fire sprinkler systems part funded by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

Smoke control ventilation

Wheelchair accessible lift

Motorised entrance and flat doors

Secure keyless entry system

Resident alarm system incorporating full telecare facilities to maximise reassurance, dignity and ability to remain in their property as a home for life

Hoist tracking “hidden” behind ceiling to be used as required

Digital television facilities with community information / council services information  provided through the residents own television.

Energy efficient building

The residents will benefit from a highly insulated building meeting the current building requirements with easy to use controls ensuring a comfortable living environment. The system offers resident complete control over their environment coupled with heating bills which are anticipated to be a 1/3 less than what was previously available. Low surface temperature radiators and thermostatically control shower rooms ensure that the residents have safe but comfortable living arrangements.

The communal areas are colour co-ordinated on each floor and include sensor lighting.

Resident Involvement

The scheme has representatives on the Sheltered residents focus group which assists Housing Landlord Services in shaping and delivering their services. Existing residents at the scheme have been fully involved in the development and conversion of the scheme from the outset in October 2004.