Older people safe as houses in Hampshire
9 June 2008 - RESIDENTS OF a Hampshire sheltered scheme dusted down their valuables for a mini-antiques roadshow this week, as part of celebrations to welcome new neighbours who’ve just moved into an extension of the popular home.
Sentinel Housing Association’s Rosefield Court in Hartley Wintney is a major sheltered housing complex, featuring its own hair salon, day centre, computer suite, and mobility scooter bays.
Parish, district and county councillors joined Housing Corporation representatives, Sentinel board members and contractor Mansell to tour the £1.5m two-storey extension, providing 16 apartments for the over 65s.
Hartley Wintney is noted for its antique shops, and local experts gave up their time for free to provide the background on a wide range of household items.
Sentinel Chief Executive Martin Nurse said: “Rosefield Court has it all, and the new wing has proved very popular, especially with residents moving in from older schemes in the area. They’re spacious, many have an extra bedroom, and are energy efficient to keep heating bills down.”
Housing Corporation Director for the South East Fiona Cruikshank added: “I’m delighted that over £1m of our funding is helping to provide a further 16 apartments for older people at this scheme. With careful design alongside the provision of various on-site facilities this is another example of sheltered housing being brought into the 21st century. The scheme will provide a balance between the additional support required by some of the residents with their wish to live as independently as possible.”
The completion of the project heralds a new era for looking after older people in and around north Hampshire, which could see new Sentinel sheltered complexes providing a broader range of support and activities to help pensioners remain active and independent for longer.
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