Cornwall’s first redeveloped Extra Care Scheme for older people is celebrating its first birthday with an action packed programme of events.
Residents, staff and invited guests will be gathering at Coastline Housing’s Miners Court scheme in Redruth on Tuesday 1 November to mark twelve months of providing improved facilities for residents and extra services to the local community.
Miners Court is an example of a new form of sheltered and retirement housing that has been pioneered in recent years called Extra Care housing. This kind of housing has been developed to cater for older people who are less able to do everything for themselves, with varying levels of care and support available.
The development of 64 flats, which was officially opened in July 2010 by HRH the Duke of Kent following a £1 million refurbishment, allows residents to live independently in self-contained homes with additional facilities on site that they can access as they become less able to get out and about.
The scheme is also open to people from the local area, providing a wide range of first class facilities and recreational activities, from a popular luncheon club to an on-site hairdressing salon, exercise classes and regular entertainment.
Miners Court is one of only two Extra Care schemes in Cornwall but it is anticipated that there will be more developed in future years to meet the needs of an ageing population in the county and a growing demand for such accommodation.
David Roulston, Coastline’s Head of Care and Support said, “Miners Court has been extremely well received and has created a home for life for many local people. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of the elderly care agenda and we really wanted to take the opportunity to mark the occasion of our first anniversary.”
The services provided have been widely welcomed. Resident Kevin Parrott 48, who has cerebral palsy, moved out of his parents’ house and into his “bachelor pad” at Miner’s Court a year ago. As well as Sky TV and great views, it has a walk-in shower, a 24-hour alarm system and all sorts of facilities on the doorstep. Kevin receives a few hours personal care every day and gets his washing and cleaning done. Living on his own was a big step and felt strange to begin with, but Kevin says now: “I can’t believe how well I’ve coped; I can live my own life here and I feel very settled.”
An afternoon and evening of events to mark the anniversary will include singing from Redruth School choir, dance performances from RedYOUth Quickstep group and local belly dancers. A representative from Citizens Online, who have recently been running IT classes at the scheme, will be attending and Redruth Mayor, Councillor Ian Thomas has kindly agreed to perform the official cutting of the birthday cake.
Events commence from 1.30pm and everyone is welcome to come along and join in the celebrations.