20.09.11 Former Carer Enjoys Life in New Supported Housing Scheme

Having spent her life looking after others, 76 year old Pat Barry is looking forward to enjoying life in a new £9m supported housing development in Nottingham.

Just 12 months ago at the grand old age of 75, Pat was still working seven days a week as a cleaner after a career in caring with Nottingham City Council. Then tragedy struck; a routine hospital visit end in the amputation of her left leg below the knee, as a result of bad circulation. Having spent a year living in Bulwell away from her family, she grabbed the opportunity to move into LHA-ASRA’s new Albany House development in St Ann’s, and hasn’t looked back.

A mother of three grown-up children and grandmother to seven grandchildren, ranging in age from one to 29, and with a further grandchild on the way, Pat says: “It has been a difficult time but now I’m close to my family in St Ann’s I’m really enjoying life again. In fact, I see more of my daughter and granddaughter now than I think I have ever seen them! They live just round the corner and pop in almost every day, which is wonderful.

“My flat has a lovely view out onto the garden at the front of Albany House, and I can watch the birds nesting in the tree outside my window, which considering I’m living in the inner city is a real bonus. Where I was living before I moved to Albany House I was stuck in just one room. Now I can go up on the roof balcony and enjoy the sun in my wheelchair, or out into the community garden. We also have a day centre attached to Albany House so I get to meet up with my friends as well.

“What I’m really looking forward to is getting to know more of the residents. There’s a community café and hairdressers on the ground floor of the building and we’ve got a lovely communal sitting room, so I’m sure I’ll soon be making new friends.”

Albany House is on the former site of Welland Court self-contained flats for the elderly, just off Carlton Road, St Ann’s. Albany House includes a mix of 71 one bed and one bed with study, social rent extra care apartments. The complex also includes a new community café and hairdressers which are opening on site in the coming weeks, as well as a communal lounge and activity rooms.

Estelle Williamson, Scheme Manager for LHA-ASRA, says: “Albany House is a stunning new community asset for St Ann’s. It’s also a lovely home for people looking for supported living, whilst retaining as much independence as suits them. We’re holding two open days – on 21st and 22nd September – where we’ll open our doors for people to come and take a look at our fantastic facilities.

“We’d also encourage anyone over the age of 55 who is considering making the move to supported accommodation to contact us and make an appointment – they’ll receive a very warm and enthusiastic welcome from our team and I’m sure will be knocked out by the high quality of the accommodation. It’s wheelchair accessible throughout and is set up to provide full domiciliary care, if residents require that level of support.”

The land has been provided by Nottingham City Council for £1 on a 125yr lease. As part of the project LHA-ASRA also built a 60 space day care centre adjacent to Albany House. This was funded by Nottingham City Council and replaces an existing Nottingham City Council centre that no longer meets modern standards.

Albany House also includes a number of innovative green initiatives, including whole house heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, bio-diverse green roof and the building is also connected to the district heating system.

Funding for the development was secured in a joint venture between the Department of Health (£2,920,000), Homes and Communities Agency (£2,930,000), Nottingham City Council (£1,100,000) and LHA-ASRA Group (£2,050,000). The construction contractor was Kier Group.

Viewings of Albany House can be made by prior appointment. Contact Estelle Williamson on 0116 257 6888 to arrange a day and time.