Halstead Lodge residents help to shape their new home

Company news

Mar 28, 2011

Care UK’s Halstead Lodge, in the Essex town of Halstead, is currently home to 30 residents. It is to be replaced by a new facility which will provide 70 beds and many new resources, including a specialist suite for people with dementia and a day centre that will be available to local people.

Project Manager for Care UK, Sara Goodwin said: “It is very exciting that the current residents of Halstead Lodge, their relatives and staff are contributing ideas to the home’s development.”

“There will be competitions to name the new suites, we will consult on what facilities they would like to see and there will be monthly progress meetings. We will put up photos of the new home around Halstead Lodge so that everyone can see how the project is developing.”
The innovative design of the building is based on a community concept featuring a shop, hairdressing salon and café all set around an indoor village green. Natural light and large, low windows will allow residents clear views across the landscaped grounds.

Sara said: “There will be numerous quiet and peaceful areas both indoors and in the grounds, while the activities room and cinema will offer plenty to keep residents entertained.”

The new home will also bring jobs to the town, with an estimated 40 additional posts needed to deliver the high quality care for which Care UK is renowned.

Regional Director Jo Vasey said: ”The Care Quality Commission rates 96 per cent of Care UK’s homes as good or excellent. This is partly due to the high quality of our buildings, but is also due to the way we care for our residents.”

“Our care is tailored to fit the unique needs of each and every resident. By getting to know our residents, their abilities, preferences and interests, we can help them be as fulfilled and independent as possible.

“At Care UK we believe that helping our residents to stay active and make their own decisions about what they do and how they spend their time, helps them remain happy and healthy for longer. ”

The new home, located at Priory Hall in Halstead, will form part of a retirement village set in extensive wooded grounds. The village, developed by Hallmark Developments, will include70 cottages and apartments and a range of amenities for those aged over 55 years old.

The current home no longer provides the level of facilities Care UK strives to provide for its residents. The new home is scheduled to open in June 2012 with residents transferring on an individually-agreed timetable made in consultation with the resident’s family.

The Halstead development is one of 30 new homes that Care UK plans to build over the next five years.”