Major proposals for New Housing and Day Services for Older People in Reading.

Major Proposals for New Housing and Day Services for Older People in Reading

31/10/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release



READING Borough Council can today (Oct 31) announce proposals to develop extra care housing on the site of the former Arthur Clarke Care Home and Albert Road Day Care Centre in Caversham, as well as the former Alice Burrows Care Home in Southcote.


Extra care housing offers older people who want to live independent and active lives purpose-built individual homes, whilst at the same time offering increased support and care as their needs change.


The Council’s innovative plans include nursing provision on the Alice Burrows site, which could mean a seamless transfer for those residents that needed to move to nursing care. The proposals also include ensuring facilities are built to enable older people to access day activities in their own neighbourhood.


The Council has commissioned feasibility studies that demonstrate what might be possible on the site, but wants to invite providers to come forward with detailed proposals which will be subject to consultation and planning permission.


The proposals for the two sites will go to a meeting of the Council’s Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education Committee on Thursday November 7th for consideration.


Reading Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, Rachel Eden, said:


“Following the decision to close Arthur Clarke and Albert Road earlier this year, we committed to consider extra care housing and improved facilities for older people on the site. These proposals deliver on that promise and more.


“Older people want to remain independent and enjoy an active life but we all know that often as we get older we need more support. Whenever I visit extra care developments like Oak Tree House in West Reading, I see how much people love living there – an individual home which comes with additional care as you need it. Extra care can also really benefit older people living nearby who can take advantage of day activities, hairdressers or just pop into the restaurant to enjoy a meal with friends.


“If the committee agrees these proposals we will be looking for a partner to develop these sites, not just for today’s older generation but for generations to come. I am excited that by working in partnership we are able to be proposing such an important investment in services for Reading’s older people.”


The proposals outlined in the ACE report can be found here http://www.reading.gov.uk/meetings/details/3599/ (Item 7).

Highlights include:


40 unit extra care housing schemes, both on the Arthur Clarke / Albert Road and the Alice Burrows sites
a specially-designed accommodation, tailored and adapted to people’s needs and flexibly designed to meet anticipated future needs, (e.g. the inclusion of wet rooms, electric scooter stores, full wheelchair accessibility throughout and lifts)
access to care and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either on site or by call
additional facilities on site able to support a range of social, recreational and day care opportunities e.g. a restaurant, fitness suite and communal areas to host group activities. These facilities would also be available for older people living locally.



ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Artists impressions of the feasibility studies commissioned by the council which show what could be developed on the site are available on request by calling Anna Fowler on 0118 937 3957.


Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/