Launch of first round-the-clock extra care scheme for older people in Maidstone
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The Mayor of Maidstone, Mike FitzGerald, has opened a round-the-clock extra care scheme for older people, which is the first of its kind in the county town.
People who live in the 29 sheltered flats at Hardwick House, Northumberland Road, now have care and support available almost 24 hours a day.
And they have a seven day a week lunch club, open to them and their visitors, with two freshly cooked, nutritious courses every day.
As they tucked into a lavish buffet at the launch on Tuesday, residents of Hardwick House, which is owned by Maidstone Housing Trust, commented on the new service.
“If it wasn’t for the carers, I don’t think I could live here,” said Peggy Pagg, 76. “They give me a shower every morning, get my breakfast and make my bed, and if anyone’s bad in the night, you know they’re there.
“I couldn’t manage on my own but with them here, I can keep my independence.”
Phyllis Lawrence, 92, one of a number of residents to have lived at Hardwick House since it opened in 1985, said: “The food is very good. I enjoy the meals. I used to be in bed a lot of the time but now the carers get me up and that’s much better.”
Her friends, Lucy Brown, 91, and Ellen Perryman, 90, still prefer to cook their own meals or go out with friends.
“It keeps my brain active,” said Mrs Brown. “But it’s good to know the lunch club and the carers are there if needed.”
The scheme is the result of a partnership between Maidstone Borough Council Housing, Maidstone Housing Trust, Kent County Council Adult Services and Allied Healthcare, a domiciliary agency which provides the care staff to support the residents at Hardwick House.
KCC and Allied are jointly leasing a flat at Hardwick House to provide a base for care staff so that they can be available to give personal care whenever needed.
The aim is to enable older residents to continue living there safely, rather than going into care or being admitted unnecessarily to hospital.
Weekly exercise classes are the next innovation planned.
The Mayor of Maidstone, Mike FitzGerald, said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working. It clearly demonstrates what can be done to help vulnerable older people to continue to enjoy life in the heart of their community.”
Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “We believe this fantastic scheme will have a real impact on people’s lives, enabling them to carry on living independently rather than feeling they have to go into residential care.”
More information on our Sheltered Housing and Supporting People work is available here.
date published: 20/03/2007