Barnet Council has opened a flagship £15 million block of 53 apartments for the elderly, people suffering from dementia and those with extra care and support needs.
The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Reuben Thompstone, opens Ansell Court
It is the first of three extra care developments to be built by the council to help residents of the borough live happily and stay independent for longer. Stag House in Burnt Oak will provide 50 new homes and Cheshir House in Hendon will provide 75 new homes. These, too, will be tailored specifically for the elderly, people suffering from dementia and those with extra care and support needs.
The first of these developments, Ansell Court, has now been officially opened by the Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Reuben Thompstone. Ansell Court was named after a local war hero and will help residents of the borough to live happily and stay independent for longer.
The scheme, built by contractors Rydon, will be managed on behalf of the council by Your Choice Barnet.
Ansell Court is dementia-friendly and the interior has been designed with this in mind. Walls are coloured-coded to help residents find their way around the scheme. Each front-door has a shelf just outside that residents can put personal items on as mental triggers to help them find their way home.
Councillor Thompstone said: “I am delighted to be able to open this scheme. Firstly, it’s a fitting tribute that the scheme is named after a local war hero, William Ansell who sadly died young. It’s wonderful that the residents who move into this scheme will now have support to live independent lives for as long as possible.”
Councillor Sachin Rajput, Chairman of the Adults and Safeguarding Committee, said: “I’m delighted that we have a development like this in our borough. We know that this is the sort of place where people really do want to live. It’s great that we can help them retain their independence for as long as possible in a friendly environment where all of their needs are catered for.”
Resident Judy Allen said moving to Ansell Court had been life-changing for her: “It’s a big change to where I was living before. It’s great to be here, have my own flat, but still be part of the community here if I need it. I am looking forward to the social events that the staff here organise so I can get to know other the other residents – I haven’t met my neighbours yet.”
On the ground floor, there is a hairdresser, a communal kitchen and dining area, as well as facilities for a coffee shop. This will encourage valuable social interaction between the residents of Ansell Court and the surrounding community.
If you are, or know somebody who is, interested in an Ansell Court flat please speak to your social worker who will assess your eligibility, or email diana.ssemakula@yourchoicebarnet.org