Home from home for extra care resident
The first resident to move into Bluebell Gardens, a new extra care housing scheme for older people in Stockwood, knows the area well. Kathleen Cann, who celebrated her move this week, used to live in the old sheltered housing scheme that stood on the site of Bluebell Gardens.
Kathleen’s new apartment will be quite a contrast to her previous home. Designed to meet the needs of people aged 55 and over, Bluebell Gardens’ spacious one and two bedroom apartments have fully fitted kitchens and walk-in shower rooms. There is also an on-site team providing 24 hour care and support, tailored to meet individual needs.
Commenting on her new home, 97 year old Kathleen said: “this is very nice indeed. It’s lovely and roomy and I think I’m going to enjoy living here.”
Cllr Glenise Morgan, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health with Bristol City Council joined Kathleen to celebrate her moving in and presented her with a bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion.
Cllr Morgan said: “It is wonderful to welcome Kathleen into her new home at Bluebell Gardens and I hope she will be very comfortable and happy here. The completion of work on the scheme marks the final stage in the council’s work to create 600 new homes in very sheltered housing schemes across the city. We have worked closely with housing association partners, who are specialists in providing care, support and accommodation for older people, creating excellent quality housing that offers a good balance of independence, with support on hand when it is needed.”
The £8.1 million facility, which received an investment of £3.6 million from the Homes and Communities Agency, provides 51 apartments for rent and 10 for shared ownership. The development also includes a restaurant, activity room, hairdressing salon and buggy store.
Extra care housing is an increasingly popular choice because it allows residents to enjoy independent living in their own home but with the added benefit of care and support available if required.
Further information on the rented apartments at Bluebell Gardens can be obtained from Bristol City Council Care Direct on 0117 922 2700 or email adult.care@bristol.gov.uk. For shared ownership enquiries, please contact
Housing 21 on 0345 608 4021 or email sales@housing21.co.uk
ENDS
Photograph: Left to right: Karen Wood, Court Manager at Bluebell Court, Councillor Glenice Morgan and Kathleen Kann, resident.
For further media information, please contact Wendy Gornicki, PR & Information Officer, Housing 21 on 0370 192 4338 or email wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk
Housing 21’s mission is to promote independence and choice for older people through quality care, health and housing services. It provides around 131,000 hours of care each week and manages 18,700 sheltered and extra care apartments, providing services to more than 31,000 service users.
Keep up to date with Housing 21 at www.facebook.com/housing21.co.uk or via our website www.housing21.co.uk, or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Housing21news
