Paul Goggins MP Wythenshawe and Sale praised Shore Green during his visit to the scheme, which provides housing related support for elderly people affected by memory loss.
Shore Green in Wythenshawe, South Manchester is a partnership development between Irwell Valley and Manchester City Council based on the high demand for residential and care services especially for people with dementia and other memory loss conditions.
Designed to help couples or families remain together, the development offers four two-bedroom bungalows and six single person flats for rent with the choice of shared living communal areas.
The scheme, which has been commended for its architecture includes specialist design features such as good visual access - curved corridors, continuous pathways, a distinctive high roof – and colour coding and personalisation (shelves/cubby holes with personal items) at the entrances to each flat to help residents identify their door.
In its good practice case study (February 2009), the Department of Health concludes that the Shore Green model efficiently diverts its residents away from expensive nursing home placements - costing the wider health and social care system less than traditional nursing and residential support options - and its focus allows staff to develop skills specific to working with people with dementia.
Commenting on the care service provided by Irwell Valley and Manchester Adult Social Care through Creative Support, Paul Goggins said:
"Shore Green is a remarkable place, with space for independent living as well as a safe and caring community when residents need it. The smiles and happiness of those who live there is the best indicator of their success."
Giles Parlett Supported Services Manager, Irwell Valley added:
“Irwell Valley’s philosophy is to treat people with dignity and respect. Shore Green exemplifies this through providing a service and accommodation that is designed to minimise the effects of the illness and maximise the resident’s independence. We are enormously proud of Shore Green’s success and welcome Paul Goggins’ endorsement.”
The MP’s visit coincides with The National Housing Federation Care and Support Awareness campaign throughout July 2010, aimed at raising awareness of the 12,000 crucial services running throughout the North that help nearly 166,000 of the most vulnerable people enjoy independent and fulfilled lives.