A development which heralds a new era in housing and care for older people was officially opened by Lord Tollemache, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk on Wednesday 20th June.
Mere View, a purpose-built extra care scheme of 32 one and two-bedroomed flats near Stowmarket in Suffolk, allows older people to buy a share in the leasehold of their new home while having the reassurance of on-site care and support.
Housing 21, the registered social landlord which specializes in the development of housing and care for older people, has sold the units on a shared ownership basis.
Residents are able to buy 50% or 75% of the leasehold of their home, ensuring they retain a bricks-and-mortar asset even though their care needs and living circumstances have changed.
Housing 21 chief executive Melinda Phillips said the leasehold-with-
“More and more people who are now thinking about their future care needs own their homes – and many don’t want to live in residential or nursing homes.
“Extra care leasehold schemes mean older people can live in homes they part own, designed to meet their needs and with the security of round-the-clock on-site care staff, while retaining their independence.”
The capital cost of the scheme was around £5m and the scheme was built in partnership with the Housing Corporation, Mid-Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council.
The first residents moved into their new homes in Mere View in November and 90% of the units are now sold or under offer.
To qualify, prospective residents must have some connection with Suffolk, be able to afford at least a 50% stake (requiring at least £47,000 capital, depending on the flat they choose) and require at least four hours of home care a week. That care is provided by Housing 21 staff on-site and around-the-clock.
Suffolk County Councillor Graham Newman will help open the new complex. He said:
"I'm immensely proud that Suffolk County Council has been able to work in partnership with Housing 21 and Mid Suffolk DC to build these homes. Mere View is the first Very Sheltered Housing Scheme in Suffolk where people can buy a stake in their own home. With more and more people who need care at home owning their own home, people want to keep money in the property they live in, but feel safe because there is 24-hour care and support available. Having the care staff on site means less worry for older people and their families, so that people can still stay in their own home even if they have complex needs, and this can be particularly important if someone lives in a rural area where home care services may be less available.
“These superb Very Sheltered flats are designed to very high standards to meet the needs of people as they get older, with all the access and mobility & technological aids which can make life so much easier. The standard of care available is second to none, and changes as people’s situation changes. People can choose to be involved in a programme of social and other events that they and the staff organize, or they could be on their own or with friends in their flat; or they can take a bottle of wine to the in-house café and share a meal!
I'd like to wish all those who have purchased a flat in this lovely new complex, long, safe and happy lives in their new homes".
As well as enjoying purpose-built accommodation, residents have been using an on-site hairdressers and a café. These facilities have also been open to the general public, boosting the links to their community.
Over the next few months Mere Court will develop a full social and cultural programme of its own. In the meantime, residents have already been taking advantage of the classes and activities on offer at neighbouring Thompson Court, another Housing 21 extra care facility with 32 rental flats.
Information on current extra care properties for sale can be found on the Housing 21 website www.housing21.co.uk. Full information packs on each development can be obtained by calling 0845 6084021 or emailing sales@housing21.co.uk
