Rosemary Court

Darlington, Darlington Borough Council

Description of Scheme

Rosemary Court is a happy, vibrant and inclusive community, which is a hive of activity. Those walking through the door have no idea if it is a hotel or sheltered / extra care housing.

Of the 42 units, 28 are refurbished one-bedroom flats housed in the original 2-storey building (Owned by DBC.) and 14 are new build flats (13 1-bedroom, 1 2-bedroom) housed in a new 3-storey building connected to the existing building. These flats are owned by Hanover Housing and provide specialist units for people with dementia.

All materials were carefully chosen to be attractive whilst meeting the needs of the clients group. Any special requirements in colours schemes, access arrangements, internal layout was done tastefully and discretely offering the security and quality accommodation. A telecare overlay is installed throughout the building; special fob arrangements have recently been installed at the main exit door to detect tenants leaving the building. An assistive technology demonstration room has bee created to allow the tenant or Rosemary Court, their family and the wider community we will benefit form Telecare to see and feel the technology in a live environment.

Site fencing was reviewed following visits to other schemes to learn best practice in housing and care for people with dementia and it was decided to have a higher decorative fence, to match the fence of the neighbouring school.

The scheme boasts a large communal lounge with dining room where approx 40 people enjoy a lunchtime meal with varied menu. A shop run by learning disabilities. A well used hair salon. A beauty therapy room and a hobbies room. All facilities are extremely well used and these are offered free of charge to providers on the understanding their charges reflect the free accommodation and make it affordable to as many people as possible. Individual lounges are located throughout the building allowing tenants and their visitors to relax and enjoy.

The scheme is keen to foster community interaction. During the building of Rosemary Court, HHA, DBC and Frank Haslam Milan (FHM: building contractors) all contributed money to provide a garden for the neighbouring school. Trainees from FHM helped to build this alongside school children. FHM also carried out 'site safety' sessions at the school. The relationship with the school has continued.

Where Is It?

Rosemary Court is in the heart of a well established estate with a mix of council and owner occupier tenure. There are different types of dwellings such as family homes, bungalows and flats. It is close to local amenities such as shops, schools and the local pub. It is on a busy bus route that can take you into the town centre.

Residents Information

"I love living at Rosemary Court and have been here since it opened. Everyone is welcome and there are lots of things for residents to do.

My flat is lovely but I'm not there very often as I enjoy using the communal lounge for chatting to people, having a coffee or joining in with the activities. In the summer we have a large garden area to enjoy too."

Proximity

Access to site easy. Distances: bus stop 5 yards; shop 200 yards; post office 800 yards; town centre 2 mile(s); GP 0.5 mile(s); social centre 2 mile(s).

Relevant Local Strategy

This is Darlington's fourth Extra Care Scheme and each scheme has brought with it its improvements. This is the first scheme in joint partnership with Housing and Hanover Housing Association and has proved popular, the scheme being fully occupied and in high demand.

It is a part of the wider local housing strategy in the Darlington Older Persons Strategy.

Care Services

Extra Care scheme with 24 hours / 7 days), resident management staff and community alarm service

Facilities

• Lift
• Lounge
• Dining room
• Restaurant
• Laundry
• Guest facilities
• Garden
• Community centre
• Hobby room

Address

Fenby Avenue
Lascelles Park
Eastbourne
Darlington
Co. Durham
DL1 4UB

Scheme Location Map