Tenants praise new extra care housing scheme

Residents in a new Walsall extra care housing scheme have described how their lives have been transformed since they moved in.

The opening of Mattesley Court, the first of five new extra care housing schemes in Walsall as part of a partnership between Walsall Council, Housing 21 and Willmott Dixon, was marked this week during a special celebration to mark the completion of the first phase of a re-provision project.

Residents aged 55 or over moved in to Mattesley Court in September and enjoy independent living along with access to 24-hour care. They also have the option to rent or part own one of 59 one and two-bedroom apartments

The scheme, which boasts communal facilities including a restaurant, lounge, hairdressing salon, laundry room, landscaped gardens, day centre and wellbeing suite, gets a big thumbs-up from its residents.

Edith Owen, aged 89, is the daughter of former Walsall Mayor and Alderman Albert Fletcher. Mrs Owen explained that when her father, mother and husband all died she started to experience feelings of depression and loneliness.

“I was withdrawing into myself and this really wasn’t good for my health,” she said. “Since I’ve moved into Mattesley Court I’ve got a new lease of life. I would say to anyone who has their doubts about such a place to come and have a look. It’s a million miles away from the idea of “moving into a home.” We all go off to the pub in a coach on Saturday evenings, we can take part in activities or we can be by ourselves if we prefer. It’s ideal.”

Bob Batho, 85, was also feeling isolated and depressed before moving to Mattesley Court. “I would go a week sometimes without seeing anyone which is very difficult when you’re used to being with people,” he said. “When I was younger I was in The Navy and the Fire Service so I was with work colleagues. Also, I was married for many years before becoming a widower five years ago – losing my wife has been very difficult because we were a strong partnership. I have children but their lives are so busy and they don’t all live locally so things are difficult for them.

“Now I’ve moved in here it’s great. I know everyone and I have so many new friends. Members of the community come over to Mattesley Court to have lunch at our restaurant and that gives us even more opportunity to mix with people.“

A second extra care housing scheme, Alrewych Court in Northgate, is also now complete and other schemes under development in the Delves, Short Heath and Brownhills areas are due for completion later this year (2010). The £165m re-provision project also includes Rushall Mews Rehabilitation Centre which opened last year and a new residential care home for people with dementia.