Thumbs up for RBH Extra Care

Pat Schofield, Joyce Shepherd and Pauline Wilkinson visit RBH’s new Extra Care scheme at Hare Hill, Littleborough

A special open day offered RBH members and the community the chance to look round the borough’s first purpose-built Extra Care scheme at Hare Hill, Littleborough.

The scheme, situated next to the beautiful Hare Hill Park, will enable residents to maintain their independence with the reassurance that support is at hand whenever needed.

Containing 41 two-bedroom and two one-bedroom apartments, the new facility combines a team of dedicated carers with hi-tech equipment tailored to people’s individual needs.

The site also includes a community café, hair salon, hobbies room, lounge areas and spacious garden and marks a defining moment in the way that the borough cares for older people.

Residents have already begun to move into their new home and RBH laid on guided tours at the open day to showcase the apartments, garden and other facilities.

Among the visitors who were impressed by what they saw were Joyce Shepherd, 88, and her daughters Pauline Wilkinson and Pat Schofield.

Joyce, who lives at RBH’s nearby Olive Standring House supported housing scheme, said: “This is a beautiful place. I’m very happy where I live and wouldn’t want to move but I was very impressed by the facilities and the friendly atmosphere when I was looking round.”

Peter Smith, RBH Supported Housing Manager, said: “We were delighted that lots of people came to have a look round and very pleased to receive lots of positive feedback.

“This wonderful new facility will enable residents to maintain their independence and continue to enjoy life to the full.”

The scheme is run by RBH with Rochdale Borough Council’s contracted care provider working in partnership with RBH.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “Extra Care represents a new era in the way we care for our older residents. It offers more independence than residential care, but ensures that people can still receive care and support on site.

“I know this important facility will play a valuable role in the community in the months and years to come.”

The new Extra Care facility is available to all homeowners and tenants who have the appropriate care requirements.