Publicity 2006

Cefn Glas Extra Care Scheme

Cartref: March/April 2006
(Pictures courtesy of Seren Group)

An innovative scheme opening saw Glenys Kinnock MEP back on home turf to open the first extra care scheme in Blackwood, South Wales. Cefn Glas Extra Care Scheme has been developed as a result of a partnership between Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Seren Group. It took 16 months to develop and provides support, meals, domestic help, leisure and recreation facilities in a secure environment.

The innovatively designed scheme of 42 one and two bedroom self contained flats, enables older people to live independently, whilst maintaining the care and support of a traditional residential home. The scheme also introduces the first Telecare project to the area, which consists of a “SMART flat” to demonstrate a range of technologies that assist people to live independently, and is particularly useful to assist elderly people who are frail or developing dementia.

The apartments open on to a light, airy, glass-roofed atrium that runs the entire length of the building, creating the effect of an 'indoor street'. The atrium aims to capture and build upon the good points that people will have enjoyed in the communities in which they would have previously lived by providing an environment which fosters interaction with neighbours. Other facilities include a computer room, hairdressing and beauty salon, physiotherapy room and guest sleepover.

The Labour MEP said: “For too long and for too many older people, traditional residential care has meant saying goodbye to their independence and privacy. Now schemes like Cefn Glas are able to give people the confidence to live their lives the way they want – independently and on their own terms – safe in the knowledge that help is on hand if needed.”

Amanda Davies, Chief Executive, Seren Group, said: “This scheme is an important milestone for Seren Group in providing top quality accommodation and care for older people in Wales.”