New Developments

Woodchurch, Near Ashford in Kent

We have detailed planning permission in place for 77 "extra care" suites and 4 detached bungalows in the grounds of this 2.2 acre site in Woodchurch. We plan to commence constuction in 2011.

Care Suites are an innovative approach to providing care where each residents has their own front door where they can socialise in privacy with family and friends, in contrast with traditional care homes where each resident’s private space is only a bedroom and day space is shared with other residents. However there is also the same communal lounge space as in a traditional care home, so that residents can chose to spend time in a group setting for their social or care needs.

There is a range of studio, one and two bedroom suites with on-site 24 hour personal and nursing care provided. This allows a wide range of care needs to be met and provides residents with a good choice of living arrangements whilst being assured of a home for life within the scheme. This is particularly valuable for allowing couples to stay together when one partner has care needs which the other one is unable to provide.

There are separate areas within the scheme for various levels of both physical frailty and dementia so that residents can live in groups where they are socially compatible with their neighbours. Residents can maintain strong involvement with the local community whilst services for the local community are provided from within the scheme. These services could include social events, day care, restaurant facilities for lunch clubs etc.

Residents have choice over whether they wish to rent or buy on a leasehold basis. Also with the new individual budgets being introduced by Social Services, the scheme would provide good opportunities for residents to spend their budgets in highly personalised ways.