New homes ‘the future’ for care of the elderly

A GROUND breaking ceremony has marked the start of work on two new Extra Care schemes that are set to provide 45 stateof-the-art housing units for elderly and vulnerable people in Bridgend county.

Bridgend County Borough Council, Linc Cymru Housing Association and Welsh Government are working in partnership to establish the new facilities at two former comprehensive school sites –Maesteg Lower in Maesteg, where 20 units will be constructed, and Archbishop McGrath in Ynysawdre, which will be the location for 25 units.

Part of ongoing plans for modernising residential care services, the new schemes are being provided as an alternative to three ageing care homes within the Maesteg, Ynysawdre and Ogmore Vale areas.

The new Extra Care fa- cilities will incorporate a residential care option for existing residents and have been specially designed so that tenants can live within their own apartments fitted with all the equipment they need to remain safe and independent.

The residential care element will also offer roundthe-clock, on-site support alongside a range of community facilities, and will help keep couples together within a supported environment in the event that one partner’s care needs change.

Council leader Huw David said: “Across the UK, Extra Care has proven itself to be the future for how elderly and vulnerable people are looked after and cared for.

“I am extremely proud to see Bridgend County Borough Council and Linc Cymru working together on the development of these new facilities, and I am certain that will offer major benefits for the community.”

Councillor Philip White, cabinet member for social services and early help, added: “This is excellent news for Bridgend county borough. The new facilities follow the opening of the area’s first Extra Care scheme in 2011, which has proven to be a major success.

“They are designed to better meet people’s changing needs as they grow older while making sure that they can live independently and remain active for as long as possible.”

The completed Extra Care facilities are expected to open their doors and welcome residents at Maesteg and Ynysawdre in late 2018 – early 2019.