Supported Living Scheme For Enniskillen

A new scheme planned for the Sligo Road in Enniskillen aims to help older people suffering with dementia maintain their independence and keep their links with the local community alive.

The scheme, which is currently awaiting planning permission, has already won the backing of number of Fermanagh District Councillors.

At a recent Council meeting, Frank Britton (Enniskillen) said this development must be ‘greatly welcomed’.

He said the ethos of the scheme would help dementia suffers to remain for a longer period of time in the community. And, he added: “I believe this will be a state-of-the-art facility providing the very best care.”

Councillor Britton also praised the fact the scheme will create around 30 jobs in the caring sector, which he said was, ‘very significant’.

Fold Housing Association has lodged a planning application with Fermanagh Council for a new supported housing scheme on the Sligo Road for older people with dementia.

The application was due to be considered by the Council on Monday of this week. If approval is granted by the Planning Service, Fold anticipate being on site early 2009/2010, with expected completion of the project 18 months later.

The scheme will provide 15 supported living cottages, enabling residents to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

There will also be 15 flats providing care and support for older people with dementia in a group living environment.

The scheme will be built to ‘Secure by Design and Eco Homes Very Good Standards’, having an enclosed courtyard and landscaped grounds to encourage recreation. It will incorporate the very latest in assistive technologies that will support those who live in the scheme to live much more independently in a safe and secure environment.

Eileen Askham, Fold’s Director of Care Services, commented: “This scheme is an innovative form of supported housing and Housing-with-Care developed through effective partnership working between Fold Housing Association, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

“Not only does it offer housing specifically designed to meet the individual needs of older people with dementia, but the tenants and residents will also receive personal care where appropriate and, in addition, they will have the help and support of suitable qualified staff who will be on duty 24 hours daily.

“The aim of the scheme is to encourage older people with dementia to maintain their independence, maintain their own tenancies and keep links with the community”, she added.