Council chief checks out new homes (From Thurrock Gazette)

Council chief checks out new homes

7:00am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

THURROCK Council’s cabinet member for adult social care has cast her eye over the show flat at the new Elizabeth Gardens development.

Cllr Barbara Rice was at the development in Long Lane, Stifford Clays, on Friday to see how the rest of the flats, which are for over-55s, will look when finished.

The 65 one and two bedroom retirement apartments are being built on the site for the old Elizabeth House care home, and are a mix of private, affordable, and rented properties.

Each one has a modern fitted kitchen, lounge, and a contemporary bathroom with a walk-in shower.

The site has security and CCTV and includes a restaurant, shop, hair salon, laundry, guest suite, and care facilities, for residents who want to lead an independent life for as long as possible, but may need a little help and support.

Cllr Rice said: “This is the first product of Building Positive Futures – Thurrock’s ambitious programme to transform the lives of older and vulnerable people in the borough.

“Building Positive Futures is about overturning the idea that getting older and an increasing older population is a problem.

“It is our job as a council to make sure as many older people as possible can stay active and healthy later in life, and in their own homes.”

She added: “We are working closely with housing and health partners to develop a new community-based service that will help people manage their health and well-being at home and prevent the need for often inappropriate, and expensive, stays in hospital and residential care.

“We are also looking to fundamentally change the way the council and the community work together, building neighbourhood networks so strengths and skills within local communities can help deliver that bit of help people need when they get older, and so reduce the need for care services.”