Dementia flats praised for supporting residents to live independently at new Gateshead development
Residents with dementia are praising the facilities that help them live independently at a new development in Gateshead.
Watergate Court, which opened earlier this year, features 82 apartments over three floors, including 15 one bedroomed apartments with are specifically designed for residents with dementia.
The new development features the latest technology in independent living. Apartments are fitted with a tablet which allows residents to speak to or video call carers and other residents at the touch of a button. The tablet also features a voice activated call facility for residents to ask for help if they fall, enabling residents to live as independently as possible whilst having access to 24/7 support.
Mrs Jean Dobbie, aged 90, was living at home alone after her husband sadly passed away before moving to Watergate Court.
Mrs Dobbie said: "I felt dreadful, very sad and dubious about moving - but I'm ever so glad I did."
Jean is now often found sitting in the lounge, reading her books and joining others in group activities before retiring to her flat on an evening.
She added: "I really like it here, as I can enjoy my meals and group activities in the company of others whilst having my own space to return to afterwards."
Mrs Vera Scott, aged 82, moved to Watergate Court after living in sheltered accommodation where she felt isolated and withdrawn from regular socialising.
Steph Downey, Service Director for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: "It has been wonderful to hear from my colleagues what a difference Watergate Court is making for our residents.
Since Vera has moved in, she spends most of her day in the company of others, joining in on activities such as painting and bingo as well as taking her evening meals in the communal dining room. Not only has Vera started to develop some new friendships with other residents, but she has also gained the confidence to re-establish some relationships from her past.
"By accessing the communal area regularly and visiting others in their apartments, she has really come out of her shell. She has also built trust and rapport with the care team, which now means she is able to accept support with personal care tasks that she wasn't comfortable with previously. It's fantastic to see how the independent living accommodation is bringing the zest back to our resident's lives."
The development is managed by Home Group and was built in partnership with Gateshead Council and Vistry Partnerships North.
Cllr Michael McNestry, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: "Living with dementia can be incredibly difficult for our service users and their families, especially for those who feel that the diagnosis means that their freedom has been taken from them.
"By accessing the independent living support at Watergate Court, we can not only provide residents with the freedom they need to live thriving and social lives but loved ones with the reassurance our residents are provided with the 24/7 care required without holding them back from independent living."
To find out more about the Watergate Court facility, visit Watergate Court information or contact 0191 433 7033.
Residents with dementia are praising the facilities that help them live independently at a new development in Gateshead.
Watergate Court, which opened earlier this year, features 82 apartments over three floors, including 15 one bedroomed apartments with are specifically designed for residents with dementia.
The new development features the latest technology in independent living. Apartments are fitted with a tablet which allows residents to speak to or video call carers and other residents at the touch of a button. The tablet also features a voice activated call facility for residents to ask for help if they fall, enabling residents to live as independently as possible whilst having access to 24/7 support.
Mrs Jean Dobbie, aged 90, was living at home alone after her husband sadly passed away before moving to Watergate Court.
Mrs Dobbie said: "I felt dreadful, very sad and dubious about moving - but I'm ever so glad I did."
Jean is now often found sitting in the lounge, reading her books and joining others in group activities before retiring to her flat on an evening.
She added: "I really like it here, as I can enjoy my meals and group activities in the company of others whilst having my own space to return to afterwards."
Mrs Vera Scott, aged 82, moved to Watergate Court after living in sheltered accommodation where she felt isolated and withdrawn from regular socialising.
Steph Downey, Service Director for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: "It has been wonderful to hear from my colleagues what a difference Watergate Court is making for our residents.
Since Vera has moved in, she spends most of her day in the company of others, joining in on activities such as painting and bingo as well as taking her evening meals in the communal dining room. Not only has Vera started to develop some new friendships with other residents, but she has also gained the confidence to re-establish some relationships from her past.
"By accessing the communal area regularly and visiting others in their apartments, she has really come out of her shell. She has also built trust and rapport with the care team, which now means she is able to accept support with personal care tasks that she wasn't comfortable with previously. It's fantastic to see how the independent living accommodation is bringing the zest back to our resident's lives."
The development is managed by Home Group and was built in partnership with Gateshead Council and Vistry Partnerships North.
Cllr Michael McNestry, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: "Living with dementia can be incredibly difficult for our service users and their families, especially for those who feel that the diagnosis means that their freedom has been taken from them.
"By accessing the independent living support at Watergate Court, we can not only provide residents with the freedom they need to live thriving and social lives but loved ones with the reassurance our residents are provided with the 24/7 care required without holding them back from independent living."
To find out more about the Watergate Court facility, visit Watergate Court information or contact 0191 433 7033.
