London,
05
June
2015
|
15:14
Europe/London

Brand new extra care and day centre development gets the green light

Camden Council last night (4 June) approved plans to build 38 new extra care flats with a specialist day centre attached to provide further support for older people across the borough.

The new development – part of the Council’s homes for older people programme – will be built on Crogsland Road in Chalk Farm, opposite the site of the current Charlie Ratchford day centre.

The pioneering plans will provide new, modern and fit-for-purpose support for Camden’s most vulnerable residents – while meeting an increasing demand for accommodation which supports the borough’s ageing population to lead independent, active and fulfilling lives and preventing the need for more expensive residential care and hospital admissions.

Extra care accommodation has been designed to support residents to live independently for as long as possible – with features such as level access showers, eye-level ovens and grab rails, alongside a 24-hour staff presence. Shared indoor and outdoor spaces will also ensure that residents are able to socialise with each other and with users of the new day centre.

The specialist day centre will feature a variety of spaces including a lounge, café and activity and therapy rooms.

Cllr Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health
“At a time when adult social care budgets are being reduced up and down the country Camden is bucking the trend by investing in innovative developments like this one, which we’re confident will provide the best place to live for residents who need a lot of care and can’t be looked after in their own homes.

“Older people in Camden and their relatives tell us that they want real choice and control over support services. These flats will give them access to care 24 hours a day but residents can retain more of their independence, have more of their belongings with them and have more the kind of care and meals they want. This should mean they can be looked after better and won’t have to go into hospital so often if they get an infection or become ill.

”This development is a tangible example of how thinking differently about adult social care services can bring real benefits for our elderly and vulnerable residents and their relatives.”
Cllr Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

Construction is set to begin next year, with the new centre scheduled to open in 2017. Services at the current Charlie Ratchford resource centre will run until the new centre opens – ensuring continuity of care for all service users.