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New home to give ‘extra care’

Tom Rowley
30/ 8/2006

A HOUSING scheme offering elderly people an alternative to sheltered housing and residential care is taking shape.

Renovation of Whitfield House - the first of its type in Derbyshire - and construction of 45 apartments is a £5m Derbyshire County Council scheme.

When finished the 'extra care' development on Whitfield Avenue, Charlesworth will comprise 26 one-bed and 19 two-bedroom apartments.

The development is on target to open its doors by next summer and will include communal facilities available to the wider community, such as a gym, IT suite and an arts and crafts room.

There will also be shared lounges on each floor, a dining area and a large conservatory with tea-making facilities.

Patricia Manchee, a member of the committee of GALOP - Glossop Action for Local Older People - said: "The original fireplaces in the old Whitfield House are being kept and the flats which are being built will have French windows and balconies. It will be a wonderful place and I'm sure the 'extra care' concept is going to work here."

Councillor Dave Allen, cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults, said: "People can be assessed for the level of care they need and the 'extra care' development gives them the ideal balance of privacy with opportunities to socialise in the communal areas.

"We are very pleased that the Whitfield House extra care development is on target and I believe this is a very important development in the Glossop area."

A 'design day' gave residents, staff and families the opportunity to offer their own design ideas. The home is being developed by the county council, High Peak Council and South Yorkshire Housing Association.

People interested in an apartment can contact the association on 0114 2900250.