AGE UK Oldham hosted a number of representatives from Oldham Council, the NHS and the voluntary sector to officially open a pioneering new day care centre in Moorside.
Bluebells Day Care Centre has been designed with thought and consideration towards its clients, the majority of whom live with varying forms of dementia.
The setting is a modern residential bungalow, chosen to make those receiving day care, their families and carers feel they are spending time in a ‘home from home’ environment rather than a typical care facility.
Among the guests were Mark Warren, managing director of Health and Adult Social Care Community Services in Oldham Council and Councillor Zahid Chauhan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.
Mr Warren said he was pleased the Council is working with Age UK Oldham in providing the contracts.
The charity, he said, and its staff have fantastic experience of delivering similar services and a brilliant reputation for supporting people.
He expressed how homely, calm and friendly the centre feels in its set out.
Councillor Chauhan told guests how he had ‘nipped home’ before coming to the launch and explained that ‘leaving my house and coming here felt like coming back home’ which is a great achievement for Age UK Oldham.
As well as his councillor duties, Cllr Chauhan works as a GP. He believes people should have the same level of comfort as they do at home when they are in a day centre.
Age UK Oldham has incorporated innovative aspects into the centre by setting up rooms which are designed to replicate relaxing community settings.
A ‘pub’ room was created where clients, especially the men who typically find care settings more difficult to settle into, can relax with old fashioned soft drinks and pub games such as darts, drafts and cards.
A ‘nail salon’ has been included in the centre where clients can receive a bit of pampering, a file, polish and hand massage to give them some one-on-one time with a staff member and some much needed TLC.
Age UK Oldham have great plans for the future and aim to open Bluebells five days a week.
Cllr Chauhan added: “We should build on this model to allow more older people across Oldham to access the services and care they deserve.
“It’s not just about receiving the right care but the right care with passion.”
• Age UK Oldham is an independent charity raising funds locally to be spent on services and support for older people living in the Oldham borough.
They provide a range of services, including information & advice, practical services and activities to help keep people active and independent.
