An experienced and dedicated officer has been tasked with helping customers find the right home with the right services at a new extra care scheme opening soon on Spout Lane, Washington.

Eddie Price, from Riverside, will work in partnership with colleagues from Sunderland City Council, to help people decide if extra care is the right choice for them.

Local councilors were welcomed last week to look around the completed show home. The one and two bedroom apartments at Willow Brook on Spout Lane offer individual care and support for single people and couples over 55, including those with health issues and dementia.

Eddie 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 homes, 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 Graeme Miller, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Housing and Adult Services said: “This fantastic development offers an alternative to sheltered housing for older people. The show home is very spacious and there is nowhere else in the city that allows you to strike your own balance of independence and tailored support in your own home.

We are pleased that the development has remained true to the history of the former miner’s welfare site and is already proving really popular. We are expecting a high demand once the allocations open.  

The experience of working with Riverside and Galliford Try Partnerships North has been exceptional and we are looking forward to working with them again in the future on other opportunities.”

The apartments, being built by Galliford Try Partnerships North have been designed to be adaptable to people’s changing needs. 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.

As well as enjoying the peace and quiet of their own homes, customers can also make use of the public spaces and the wide range of community activities on offer which include a restaurant, café, hairdresser, well-being suite and communal lounges and gardens.

A community open day will take place on 14^th June 2016 between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm where local people can come along to view the show home and take a tour of the facility. Colleagues will be on hand to answer any questions and provide advice on how to apply for the apartments.

For more information email [email protected] or call Riverside on 0345 111 0000