CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXTRA CARE IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

The county’s first Extra Care site, The Orchards, in Brompton, near Northallerton, has celebrated its 20^thanniversary after becoming the first location to open in North Yorkshire.

The Extra Care programme launched in North Yorkshire in 2003, now has 28 housing schemes, with properties for rent and to buy, across the county. These schemes have helped more than 1,500 people to remain living independently in the communities that they love over the last 20 years.

The schemes offer both purpose-built housing as well as care and support for residents, and some developments also host a local library, a shop or a café.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, visited The Orchards on Monday, May 15, along with the authority’s corporate director for health and adult services, Richard Webb, to join residents and staff from the authority and Broadacres Housing Association for the anniversary.

Cllr Harrison said: “Extra Care is a service that has stood the test of time and I would like to pay tribute to those members and officers and partner agencies who had the original vision and who have then translated it into reality right across the county.

“This type of housing is at the heart of our support for older and disabled residents, as well as having a wider impact in making our towns and villages good places in which to live and work.”

Among those living at The Orchards is 95-year-old Doreen Collier, who moved in almost a year ago.

She said: “I still felt able to do most things, so I didn’t want to go down the care home route.

“The Orchards allows me to keep my independence by having my own apartment, whilst being supported by care workers. I knew this was the place for me from the start as I liked the staff and it has a friendly atmosphere.”

The Orchards provides a combination of apartments and bungalows, with a range of support services and other amenities for residents and is managed by Broadacres Housing Association.

The chief executive of Broadacres Housing Association, Gail Teasdale, added: “Extra Care is not residential or nursing accommodation. Everyone has their own front doors and can live as independently as they want to.

“The schemes have lovely communal spaces so there are opportunities to make friends and join in with activities if you want to.

“If over time more care is needed, then the support is available there in the building delivered by a team that families and friends get to know.”