An experienced and dedicated team has been tasked with helping hopeful residents find the right home with the right services across Hull’s three new extra care schemes, due to open in 2017.

Kelly Hutchinson, from housing association Riverside, will work in partnership with colleagues from Hull City Council, to help people decide if extra care is the right choice for them.

While traditional extra care schemes cater for older people, Harrison Park, Cecil Gardens and Redwood Glades are aimed at anyone aged over 18 with varying care needs, including learning or physical disabilities or dementia.

Kelly said: “Identifying the best home for each person based on their specific needs will create mixed communities with people of different ages and support needs living side by side, offering them an improved quality of life in a safe and secure environment, with a real emphasis on well-being.

“Once we have welcomed people into their new home, we will continue to support them, advising on everything from rent payments and repairs to activities and events. We will encourage people to get involved in events and activities to help reduce social isolation and maintain links with the community.”

Councillor Helena Spencer, Hull City Council portfolio holder for public health, prevention and adult safeguarding said: “This is the first development of its kind in Hull that not only addresses the care needs of younger people, but also offers an alternative to sheltered housing for older people.

There is nowhere else in the city that allows you to strike your own balance of independence and tailored support in your own home.

“So, it’s little wonder that the development is already proving popular, with hundreds of people interested, despite the fact we’ve not even started marketing it yet. We’re expecting demand to soar once the allocations open, so it’s really important we get the process right.”

The apartments, being built by affordable housing provider Wates Living Space, have been designed to be homes for life. They will be easily adaptable so residents don’t need to move if their needs change. All rooms will have extra wide doors to accommodate wheelchair access. Adaptations such as grab rails, shower seats, wheelchair-friendly kitchens and hoists can easily be fitted, together with a range of assistive technologies such as personal alarms and fall detectors.