New extra care scheme planned for Derby

Development plans for a new extra care housing scheme in Derby have been approved. Housing 21 are replacing the former Tomlinson Court sheltered scheme with a 38 apartment extra care scheme.

The rented extra care apartments will support older people with a range of needs, from fairly low-level support to those with a need for a higher level of care. They can often support older people who otherwise would have needed to move to a residential home. The aim is to promote independence, giving tenants their own home in a communal scheme with care and support staff available 24 hrs a day.

Juliette Daniel, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: “This development has been made possible through a close and positive partnership between Housing 21, Derby City Council and the Department of Health.

“This scheme will have all the features you would expect in a modern, high quality sheltered housing scheme but with a number of additional services and facilities. Extra care housing is a really positive choice for older people, especially as an alternative to residential care. Tenants will have security of tenure and couples can move in together even when only one person needs to access the care and support services on site. Choosing to move into extra care housing gives people back control over their lives. They will have a self-contained apartment with their own front door but with a range of communal facilities within the building to encourage a feeling of community.”

Councillor Fareed Hussain, Cabinet member or Adult Services said: “ We are pleased to be working with Housing 21 and the Department of Health over the development of this scheme, which is designed to meet the needs of older people today. It is one of a number of extra care schemes that are planned for the city over the next few years.”

Communal facilities in the £5.5m scheme will include a lounge, laundry room, hairdressing salon, library room, shop and restaurant. The scheme will provide a focus for the local community and people living around the scheme will be able to come in to share the facilities and access the services. Employment opportunities within the new scheme will be promoted within the local community.