State-of-the-art social care centre welcomes first residents in Gateshead
A state-of-the-art social care centre which will support hospital leavers and those admitted from the local community to gain independence has welcomed its first residents.
The Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre officially opened on Tuesday (19 March) following almost three years of preparations, including investment in innovative care technologies, the development of a considered reablement programme and the creation of a spacious and resident-orientated environment which will support residents to thrive independently.
The 60-bed centre in Felling offers short-term care for adults to help them to regain the skills and confidence they need to go back to living their lives independently in their own homes. The care offered by social care teams, the NHS and commissioned services at the centre means older people can return home much quicker or avoid having to go into long term residential care.
Residents from the council's closing Promoting Independence Centres in the borough (Eastwood and Southernwood) will be moved to the new facility in a staggered approach. The centre will then become the only one of its kind in Gateshead, allowing residents to receive exceptional care at one state-of-the art site, situated close to the QE hospital, as the council prioritises its 'home-first' approach to adult social care over the coming years.
As well as providing an excellent facility to support adults with care needs, the move to one Promoting Independence Centre will be cost-effective, as the cost of the new building is lower than the future estimated maintenance costs for the previous facilities, and the residual sites will be available for redevelopment following closure.
A portrait of its inspirational namesake, nurse and Methodist Deaconess Sister Winifred Laver, welcomes guest into the centre's main reception. It is the first of many well-considered artworks displayed around the building, which act as markers to orientate residents, amongst many other features to ensure they feel at home during their stay.
Steph Downey, Service Director for Adult Social Care, said: "It is fantastic to see the Sister Winifred Laver welcoming its first residents after so much hard work and consideration.
"All Promoting Independence Centres offer a unique style of care provision, working with individuals on a short-term basis as they regain the confidence and independence to return home. Yet, none of our centres have ever gone as far as the Sister Winifred Laver in its offer in supporting people to thrive.
"Each room is fitted with innovative and user-friendly technologies, including high-tech ceiling alarm systems which aim to prevent falls before they happen, and every shared space has a specific purpose - from accessible kitchens designed for those relearning how to cook, to a separate room for enjoying a range of creative activities with Equal Arts.
"Residents will also be able to benefit from time spent outdoors, such as gardening at planters built at increasing heights to be inclusive, as well as hen therapy from the centre's very own HenPower coop, which evidence has shown can have multiple benefits for people living with dementia."
Helen Dawson, Registered Manager for the Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre, said:
"The offer at Sister Winifred Laver really is a testament to our amazing teams, who have made every insightful decision, from choosing the individual colour schemes of each floor to the artworks from local artists, with the centre's residents in mind.
"I know that everyone who has been involved in the project, which started in August 2021, is incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and would like to thank them for their service to residents across the borough for years to come."
An event to celebrate the opening of the Sister Winifred Laver centre will be held in summer, following the closure of Eastwood and Southwood.
A state-of-the-art social care centre which will support hospital leavers and those admitted from the local community to gain independence has welcomed its first residents.
The Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre officially opened on Tuesday (19 March) following almost three years of preparations, including investment in innovative care technologies, the development of a considered reablement programme and the creation of a spacious and resident-orientated environment which will support residents to thrive independently.
The 60-bed centre in Felling offers short-term care for adults to help them to regain the skills and confidence they need to go back to living their lives independently in their own homes. The care offered by social care teams, the NHS and commissioned services at the centre means older people can return home much quicker or avoid having to go into long term residential care.
Residents from the council's closing Promoting Independence Centres in the borough (Eastwood and Southernwood) will be moved to the new facility in a staggered approach. The centre will then become the only one of its kind in Gateshead, allowing residents to receive exceptional care at one state-of-the art site, situated close to the QE hospital, as the council prioritises its 'home-first' approach to adult social care over the coming years.
As well as providing an excellent facility to support adults with care needs, the move to one Promoting Independence Centre will be cost-effective, as the cost of the new building is lower than the future estimated maintenance costs for the previous facilities, and the residual sites will be available for redevelopment following closure.
A portrait of its inspirational namesake, nurse and Methodist Deaconess Sister Winifred Laver, welcomes guest into the centre's main reception. It is the first of many well-considered artworks displayed around the building, which act as markers to orientate residents, amongst many other features to ensure they feel at home during their stay.
Steph Downey, Service Director for Adult Social Care, said: "It is fantastic to see the Sister Winifred Laver welcoming its first residents after so much hard work and consideration.
"All Promoting Independence Centres offer a unique style of care provision, working with individuals on a short-term basis as they regain the confidence and independence to return home. Yet, none of our centres have ever gone as far as the Sister Winifred Laver in its offer in supporting people to thrive.
"Each room is fitted with innovative and user-friendly technologies, including high-tech ceiling alarm systems which aim to prevent falls before they happen, and every shared space has a specific purpose - from accessible kitchens designed for those relearning how to cook, to a separate room for enjoying a range of creative activities with Equal Arts.
"Residents will also be able to benefit from time spent outdoors, such as gardening at planters built at increasing heights to be inclusive, as well as hen therapy from the centre's very own HenPower coop, which evidence has shown can have multiple benefits for people living with dementia."
Helen Dawson, Registered Manager for the Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre, said:
"The offer at Sister Winifred Laver really is a testament to our amazing teams, who have made every insightful decision, from choosing the individual colour schemes of each floor to the artworks from local artists, with the centre's residents in mind.
"I know that everyone who has been involved in the project, which started in August 2021, is incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and would like to thank them for their service to residents across the borough for years to come."
An event to celebrate the opening of the Sister Winifred Laver centre will be held in summer, following the closure of Eastwood and Southwood.
