The flagship extra care home scheme in Denbighshire for older people who want to live independently in their homes whilst having support on hand 24 hours a day, provides a “safe haven” for tenants, according to those very people who use the facility.
Gorwel Newydd in Rhyl has 59 units of accommodation, (30 two bed units and 29 one bed units), with 67 tenants currently living there. A top quality restaurant, lounge and hairdressing salon are among the communal facilities as well as a treatment room and activity rooms. There is the most up-to-date alarm system and 24 hour care available on site.
The £8.3 million scheme on Rhyl promenade received part funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and is managed by Denbighshire County Council, in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of the Pennaf Housing Group.
The highest proportion of residents (25%) are aged between 81 and 85.
A recent survey asked residents for their views on a wide range of issues, including: personal care, well-being, control over their lives, safety and security, food and nutrition, social participation, general health and contact with close family.
Feedback received from residents show that there are many advantages to extra care living: freedom from worry and stress for tenants and families, a warm, comfortable and safe environment, good staff who were always on hand and company there if necessary.
There were clear improvements in people’s feeling of control and well-being as well as big changes in perceptions of safety, and in the quality of the accommodation. Many of the tenants had told of how difficult their lives had become prior to moving to Gorwel Newydd with declining health, family stress, poor accommodation, and an inability to cope at home being frequently mentioned.
The move to Gorwel Newydd had relieved tenants of all of these difficulties and given them a chance to start enjoying life again.
Councillor Pauline Dobb, Cabinet Lead Member for Health, Social Care and Well-being, said: “The findings of the survey provides the Council with a valuable insight from those directly receiving the service. The quality of life for residents has improved since moving in and we are finding that people are more confident and that living at Gorwel Newydd is contributing to their health and well-being.”
“We are tremendously proud of this flagship facility. It really is a first class development and the lessons learned have helped us shape the extra care scheme now under construction in Prestatyn and the scheme about to be launched in Ruthin.
Graham Worthington, Chief Executive of The Pennaf Housing Group said: “As an organisation we believe in putting the needs of our tenants and residents at the heart of all that we do, so it is extremely good to hear the results of the feedback survey at Gorwel Newydd. The name ‘Gorwel Newydd’ means ‘New Horizon’ and the feedback shows that this really is the experience of those who live there.”
The county’s second extra care scheme is currently being developed on the former Llys Nant site at Prestatyn and is due to open in February 2011. A high rate of applications is expected. Anyone interested in applying for a place at the Prestatyn development should call Wales and West Housing Association, on 0800 052 2526 (freephone).
