Fantastic Dementia Facility Coming to Redditch



 

Rebecca at Dorothy Terry House, viewing the early stages of the new build

 



I was impressed to see the building of the first dementia specialist housing in the County, happening in Redditch.

Dorothy Terry House has been a care home since 1960 and now Rooftop Housing in partnership with Heritage Care are providing improved housing for the existing tenants and new provision specially designed to cater for people with dementia on the same site.

Over a cup of tea, Cllr Mark Shurmer (with responsibilities for housing) and I listened to the Project Manager for Rooftop outline the new scheme which was being built as we watched out of the window. 

As well as one bed and two bed self contained flats, tenants will have access to 24 hour on site care, including some very modern technology designed to increase the safety of tenants.  Careful thought has been given to design, layout, facilities and even down to 50's style furnishings to aid memory stimulation for tenants.

The first phase will see existing tenants move into the new block next year, with the scheme due to complete in 2015.

I value the emphasis on independence, with corridors that encourage walking, a common part of dementia, small communal areas, the onsite provision of the Well Being Centre, gardens, a guest room, cinema room and hairdressers,  to mention a few, allowing people to make the best of their lives including those living with dementia.  I was glad to hear environmental measures will be in place such as a turf roof and insulation in accordance with regulations.  However, there will not be the number of solar panels as projected.  I know when the government turned it's back on committments to feed in tariffs it decimated an industry that should be supported.  I was glad to hear Rooftop are looking at ways to make the building ready for future solar panels, but right now it is not cost affective.

Worcestershire has higher than average rates of dementia and services have a long way to go to addressing current and increasing needs.  This scheme will provide high quality accommodation for older people and for people with dementia that puts the tenant needs at the heart of the building and the service.    For more information visit:

Rooftop