Step in, step down
The first resident to stay at a ‘step in, step down’ facility in Torfaen has called her temporary home ‘a beautiful little spot, a little gem’.
Pat Welch, 89, regained her confidence and learned to live independently after a long hospital stay. She moved into one of Torfaen’s first intermediate care flats, based within a Bron Afon Sheltered Housing complex in Blaenavon. She received daily support from the local Intermediate Care Team and the Red Cross.
Now that Mrs Welch has moved back to her Cwmbran home the facility at Baker Street is being officially launched to encourage more people to take advantage of staying there.
This Thursday (9 October) at 11am representatives from Bron Afon Community Housing, Torfaen Council, and residents of Baker Street are being shown around the home.
Mrs Welch spent months in hospital after a fall at her Cwmbran home, when she had drifted in and out of consciousness until her godson, Daniel, found her.
“I don’t recall what happened,” she said. “Apparently, I flew through the air and down the stairs. The only thing I can remember is the ambulance man wrapping me in a blanket, then nothing . . . from what I understand I must have been on the floor for some time.”
Miraculously, Mrs Welch did not break any bones. However, concern for her overall health and well-being prevented an early discharge from hospital.
Her four-week stay at the flat was an opportunity to get used to living alone again, cooking for herself and doing general household tasks, but with plenty of support available and the appropriate sensors and Telecare alarms fitted just in case of an emergency.
“It’s beautiful here and the staff are delightful,” she said. “What more could you want? My stay here has shown me how the powers that be are trying to help people who have had a setback. It’s a beautiful little spot, a little gem, and you couldn’t wish for better support.”
Torfaen Executive Member for Housing, Councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: “These units provide safe accommodation for vulnerable older people who may need intermediate care before returning to their own homes. The provision, which has become a reality as a result of making better use of what is available in North Torfaen across the NHS, social care and housing services, will also enable patients to leave hospital sooner, thus reducing delayed transfers of care.”
Adrian Huckin, Director of Property at Bron Afon, said: “We were happy to get involved in this project and convert this property. It really is a fantastic facility to have in the area as it gives people the best of both worlds. They can live independently but with the added reassurance of modern safety equipment and regular contact from support workers. The experiences of Mrs Welch will hopefully encourage others to take advantage of this great home.”
Occupational therapists and building surveyors provided advice on the refurbishment of the units - at Kennard Court, Baker Street and Talywain House - which include bathroom conversions, widened doors, fitted kitchens, complete re-decoration and non slip floors. New furniture and fittings include fridges, freezers, televisions and DVDs. Telecare alarms and sensors have also been installed.
Three other similar properties have been converted and opened in Torfaen.
All referrals for the new accommodation must be made via Torfaen’s Intermediate Care team, a service provided jointly by the Council, the Local Health Board and Gwent HealthCare NHS Trust. For more information call the Intermediate Care Service on 01495 742590, or to make a referral for social care services, call Customer Care on 01495 762200 |