Extra Care
The following are case studies from Housing 21 extra care schemes showing how they improve people's lives.
Sycamore Hall, North Yorkshire
Mrs B moved to High Hall Elderly Persons Home after having a stroke. She was mobile but unable to do a lot of personal tasks for herself. Living in a small room with no en suite facilities, she was very excited about moving to Sycamore Hall and having her own flat to furnish as she wanted.
A care plan was set up and it was decided that Mrs B would need 13 hours of care a week.
After moving to Sycamore Hall Mrs B became really motivated. She started off by doing some domestic chores herself and then had a washing machine and a dishwasher fitted. Within a few weeks Mrs B was making all her own meals, cleaning her kitchen, loading her dishwasher, washing her own clothes and generally looking after herself.
Mrs B's son decided to buy her a mobility scooter so that she could get around Sycamore Hall by herself. This worked so well she started to go down to the village to get her own shopping and post her mail. She has become increasingly independent and only needs the care staff to help her shower and with putting on certain items of clothing.
Mrs B has definitely benefited by moving into Sycamore Hall. She now has only five hours of help a week, has regained her independence and is a lot happier in herself.
Spring Bank Court, Blackburn
Spring Bank Court in Blackburn has been the subject of a Department of Health case study. Partly funded by a Department of Health grant, the court provides a range of services including a community support unit, PCT clinic facilities, a fully equipped respite unit, shop, restaurant and hair salon.
The case study includes a discussion of the physical location of the scheme, planning and funding processes, services and facilities offered and an analysis of the financial savings to the PCT.
A full copy of the case study can be found on the CSIP Networks website.
Winton Court, Tyne and Wear
Tony had lived with his parents all of his life until he lost his mother and moved in with his sister, Joan. Joan looked after Tony for 18 years seeing to his every need. Tony had mild learning difficulties, so life wasn't easy, especially when Joan lost her own husband and her own health deteriorated.
Tony was given a flat at Winton Court and has never looked back. From being someone who always had family doing everything for him, he now has his own flat and is living independently. He cooks, keeps his flat clean and tidy and looks after all his own personal hygiene needs. Previously, Tony only ever wanted his own company but now he likes to interact with other tenants and really enjoys the Men's Club held on the court. Winton Court has made a huge difference to Tony's quality of life and his well-being.
Burchell Court, West Sussex
Housing 21 received a thank you letter from the daughter of a tenant of one of their extra care courts in West Sussex.
She describes how her Mum enjoyed life to the full at the court, joining in coffee mornings, bingo, lm nights and keep fit classes.
As her health deteriorated, the court manager and carers liaised with health care professionals, such as Marie Curie, to ensure correct medical and care support was in place for Mrs H whilst maintaining appropriate safeguards for staff.
This enabled Mrs H to die as she wished; in her own room at home. The Court Manager was by her side.
The daughter thanks all for the professional caring manner in which her Mother was treated and for allowing her to die in dignity.