THURROCK’S top councillor for adult social care has looked into the future to see the way the council wants all its older people focus to go.
Cllr Barbara Rice visited Elizabeth Gardens – formerly the site of the Elizabeth House care home – in Stifford Clays on Friday (20 October).
Designed for the over 55s, Elizabeth Gardens will offer 65 high-quality one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments with a wide range of on-site facilities in modern and relaxed surroundings.
The site includes a restaurant and care facilities developed in partnership with developers Hanover and will provide an environment for people who wish to retain their independence for as long as possible, but who 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 said: “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.”
Another a key aspect of Building Positive Futures will be the regeneration of the council’s sheltered housing sites, led by its housing department as part of its ambitious programme of new housing development.
This will enable them to provide high-quality housing for older and vulnerable people.
Cllr Rice said: “Building Positive Futures is a significant change for the council and our local communities. It is challenging and exciting and necessary to meet the financial challenges facing us all.
“Elizabeth Gardens, with its mix of private, affordable and rented accommodation is the first concrete step towards us having a positive future.”
