The UK's ageing population presents many challenges, not least that of keeping people healthier and living independently as they get older, and where possible, avoiding a move to residential care.
Thanks to a successful PFI project, the tenants of a new extra care housing scheme in West Yorkshire are experiencing at first hand, the freedom of independent living, the reassurance of having access to a full range of healthcare and other support services, and the social pleasures of being part of a thriving and active community.
Extra care housing is designed for people over the age of 50 who want to retain their independence, but need some care and support in order to do so. As part of a multimillion pound scheme which will see a total of 466 new homes built, the Excellent Homes for Life joint venture will include 140 extra care homes, 10 of which are specifically designed for people with dementia. In addition, 291 one- and two-bedroom homes for small households and 35 homes specifically designed for wheelchair access. The whole project is split across 27 separate sites within Kirklees ensuring residents can stay close to their local community, family and friends.
The PFI delivery partners comprise John Laing, a specialist investor in, and manager of, infrastructure assets in the UK and internationally; Wates Living Space, one of the UK's leading affordable housing construction providers; and Pinnacle PSG, who deliver housing management services to over 27,500 homes nationwide. All have worked closely with Kirklees council, which commission the extra care services, to develop the schemes, designing them as 'hubs' that also provide a number of communal facilities, including a hairdressing salon, restaurant, activity rooms, and tenants' lounge for other members of the community as well as tenants within the scheme. This helps to ensure that older people can reduce the social isolation that often accompanies their later years, remain active members of the community and enjoy a better quality of life.
Extra care staff work closely with the local health partners including district nursing and community care teams, to provide a holistic and streamlined approach to care provision with excellent continuity.
Pinnacle PSG provide housing management, repairs and maintenance and estate services on behalf of the council over the next 20 years of the contract. Colin Hill, contract manager at Pinnacle PSG has the job of ensuring the smooth running of the services to the project, including the day to day tenancy management.
He said: "One of the keys to the success of the project has been the way all organisations involved have worked together to understand each other's roles. Our on-site team of caretakers, cleaning and housing staff are also forging strong relationships with the tenants and fostering a community spirit. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the tenants who love the scheme and the way it is run and that has helped to make their new apartments feel like home very quickly.
The proof of the pudding will come in 10 years' time, when I am confident that these developments will still look fantastic. Other PFI procurements have had negative press but I believe it is the people-focused processes put in place by Pinnacle PSG that has resulted in the high rates of tenant satisfaction."
The first extra care scheme, at Woodland Court, in Dewsbury, was launched in July 2013, and officially opened by the Duke of Kent in October.
Among the early tenants were Malcolm and Hilary Cooper. Both in their early seventies, the couple had been finding life at their previous home in nearby Earlsheaton increasingly difficult.
Cooper said: "My wife is disabled and I have health problems, and although we were very happy where we lived, neither of us was getting any younger. When an opportunity to move to Woodland Court came along, we spoke to the rest of the family who described the move as a no-brainer and it has been the best thing we could have done.
"So much thought has gone into the scheme and the homes. Our apartment is bigger than the one we lived in before and the services that are available, and the people providing them from Pinnacle PSG and Radis Community Care, who provide the personal care and housing support services, are doing a fantastic job. Everything we need is right here," he added.
A second scheme, Meadow Green opened early in December 2013, while a third scheme, Sandy Mount in Huddersfield, is due to open in July 2014.
Hadleigh Standen, head of facilities management at Pinnacle PSG said: "This PFI project has been a long time in the planning and delivery, and that early engagement between all the key parties has undoubtedly been a key to its success. I've worked in PFI for 12 years, and for me, this project provides clear evidence of the benefits that can be achieved from this type of partnership.
"I believe there is a real demand for solutions like this, and whether through PFI or other funding arrangements, Extra care is one way of delivering the independence and support that older people both want and need."
But the benefits go far beyond opportunities for social interaction and community involvement and independent living, and address many of the challenges presented by an ageing population.
A spokesman for Kirklees council said: "With the extra care enabling approach; working 'with' not 'for' older, frailer people can maintain their independence for as long as possible. Many of their care and support packages reduce within three months of going to live in an extra care scheme.
"It also means there is likely to be a reduction in hospital admissions, and earlier, more sustainable discharges due to there being a care and support team on site 24 hours a day. People are more likely to recover quickly and regain their previous level of functioning both physically and mentally."
Because the properties have all been built to 'Lifetime Homes' standards, ensuring that tenants needs can be met, only minimal adaptations will be required to meet any changing physical needs. It is intended that tenants have a home for life and can therefore be secure in the knowledge that they shouldn't have to move if their physical condition worsens. Nor will couples have to be parted in the event of one spouse or partner having a high care need.
"In this situation, the partner who is well is often exhausted with the caring duties and has very little respite," added the Kirklees council spokesman. "Extra care means they can go out knowing that their loved one is safe and that the care team can be called upon in the event of a problem."
The Woodland Court scheme is managed and staffed by successful UK homecare provider Radis. Director Deepesh Patel said: "Radis has enjoyed working closely in partnership with others, and in particular Kirklees council and Pinnacle PSG, on this exciting and innovative project to bring extra care facilities to this area.
"We are delighted to bring our extensive experience of working in extra care housing projects to this new development and look forward to helping older and vulnerable people using the complex to enjoy an excellent quality of life."
Stuart Yeatman, board director for Excellent Homes for Life, said: "It's fantastic to see Kirklees tenants settling into high-quality accommodation that will give them the ability to maintain their independence while receiving the support they require. Forming and maintaining collaborative relationships with local residents, our workforce, and the environment is the foundation on which the partnership between John Laing, Kirklees council, Wates Living Space and Pinnacle PSG is built on, and the success accomplished on the Excellent Homes for Life project is testimony to what can be achieved with public private partnerships."
Key facts:
• 20-year management contract
• 466 new council homes being built over 27 sites including 3 Extra care
• Partnership between John Laing, Kirklees Council, Wates Living Space and Pinnacle PSG
Services provided:
Kirklees Council
• Personal care and housing related support.
• Catering ( Kirklees Catering Service)
• Allocations
Pinnacle PSG
• Tenancy management
• Voids
• Rent, service charge and arrears
• Leasehold management
• Consultation and participation
• Waste management
• Grounds maintenance
• Cleaning
• Planned and Reactive Maintenance
• Lifecycle replacement
Radis Community Care (Woodland Court), Community Integrated Care (Meadow Green), the care provider for Sandy Mount will be announced in 2014)
• Care and support services
• Housing related support
John Laing
• Overall Project Management
Wates Living Space
• Construction
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