BBC North West Tonight visits Irwell Valley’s Shore Green

In an interview with BBC North West Tonight, residents and relatives talk about the exceptional service provided by Shore Green, Irwell Valley’s Supported Housing development for people with early onset Dementia.

According to the North West Strategic Health Authority, there are around 82,000 people in the region with the illness and that figure is expected to rise to over 108,000 in the next decade.

A complex of six one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom bungalows specifically designed for Dementia sufferers, Shore Green, in Wythenshawe, is a partnership arrangement between Irwell Valley and Manchester City Council Adult Social Care.

The development – which was officially opened by HRH Duchess of Gloucester in 2003 - uniquely enables partners and carers to stay together to avoid them being separated when one or both has to enter nursing care due to early onset Dementia.

Residents have assured leases, pay rent (personally or funded by housing benefit), pay their own utility bills and are encouraged to live as independently as is possible.

Designed by Triangle Architects, in consultation with the Alzheimer’s Society, design features and assistive technologies – such as the building’s curved open concept, colour coding, gas monitors and door sensors - assist residents with memory loss.

All the flats are unfurnished so that residents can create a home with their own familiar furnishings.

Care staff are on site 24/7 and the amount of care varies according to need so that the service is flexible and person centred.

Maintaining networks of relationships with family and friends is encouraged and all residents reserve the right to choose when and if they wish to participate in social activities both at Shore Green and at the local community centre. They’re able to continue existing interests and skills and offered the opportunity to learn fresh interests.

Residents and carers told North West Tonight that Shore Green has lifted some of the worries and strains of living with Dementia and other memory loss conditions.

A Department of Health report says “Shore Green gives people with dementia more choice and control over their lives, supports their independence, slows the rate that their needs escalate and helps tenants to be active in the community.’

The interviews will air 6.30pm, Thursday December 8 2012 on BBC North West Tonight as part of a week-long series of features exploring Dementia and the services available in the North West.