An extra care housing scheme which provides a temporary home for people who are fit to leave hospital but aren’t ready for full independence in their own homes is being launched in Wythenshawe.
The five neighbourhood apartments, which have been leased to Manchester City Council by Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, will provide a short stay option of up to 6-8 weeks in the Village 135 Extra Care Housing Scheme complex – effectively providing a bridge for people leaving hospital and going home.
These modern apartments have been fully furnished to a high specification to provide a home from home environment. Reablement officers (these are staff who help with daily living activities and help a patient become independent again) will be available 7 am – 10pm to help and support each person with everyday tasks, getting up, dressing, meals and the care provider, Human Support Group, is on site 24 hours a day for all the support needs of the individual.
People will be identified early on in their hospital stay by social workers as to whether an apartment would be a suitable next step in their care plan, so that when they are ready to be discharged from hospital there is no delay.
Councillor Bev Craig, Executive member for Adult Health and Wellbeing at Manchester City Council, said: “This is a real life example of the city’s vision around integration, where health and social care can work together effectively to make a difference to people’s lives. Not only do schemes like this help people to regain their confidence, independence and build up their strength again, but they also bring the potential to have an impact on patient flow and discharge from hospital. Crucially, it’s a better personal experience and stops people needing to be readmitted to hospital because they have had another accident or not been able to recover fully after an operation.”
