Work underway on £8 million Extra Care housing scheme in Prestatyn » Housing » 24dash.com

Work is underway on the first extra care retirement housing scheme for older people in Prestatyn.

The scheme, which will stand on the site of the former Llys Nant Residential Care Home, is due to be completed in November 2010.

The £8 million development, being built by Linford for Wales & West Housing Association, will comprise 59 apartments, 27 one bedroom, and 32 two bedroom.

The apartments, complete with ensuite bathrooms and fully fitted kitchens, will be made available for rent, or sale, by Wales & West Housing Association, for those people who meet the eligibility criteria.

The scheme will also include a range of communal facilities including a restaurant, lounges, library, IT suite, hairdressers, treatment rooms, terraces and roof garden. Care staff will be available 24 hours a day to deliver care in emergencies or in response to care plans.

“This is Wales & West Housing Association’s first extra care scheme in Wales and we are delighted to be building it in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and Linford," said Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive.

“Our new development here in Prestatyn will provide high quality, affordable accommodation and 24 hour on-site support for vulnerable older people who want to remain in their local community, but who need that little extra bit of help.”

Research undertaken by Denbighshire County Council has shown that 23% of the county’s population are currently of retirement age, and that figure is set to rise sharply in the next few years.

In addition, during the past 10 years, Denbighshire’s population has grown by 7%, and many of those have high dependency issues. Many people who are moving into the county are over 35 years of age, and significant numbers are aged 60+.

At the same time, more young people between the ages of 18 and 30 are leaving the county, while the number of older people age 85 and over will rise rapidly.

Councillor Pauline Dobb, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Health and Well-being, said: “The number of older people over 85 will rise rapidly in Denbighshire and in our consultations with older people they consistently tell us that they want to remain living in their own homes, however about a third of them will require 24 hour care.

“Across Denbighshire we aim to help older people stay fitter and healthier for longer but at the same time we know that we need to develop new types of services that help older people to remain in their communities and receive the health and social care that they need.

“One of the ways we are aiming to meet the needs and aspirations of older people in Denbighshire is through Extra Care Housing.

“Our second Extra Care Housing Scheme is therefore being developed in Prestatyn where we know that almost 28% of the population are pensioners, which is the highest age profile in Denbighshire.

“Prestatyn also has the highest proportion of unpaid carers, and, older people are more likely to live alone. As this population reaches a very old age they will require the extra support and help that such a scheme will give so we are expecting a big demand for the type of service offered.”