New day centre opens for over-55s

A day centre aimed at improving the quality of life for older people in Staffordshire has been opened.

Summer Field Court, based at Altona Close in Stone, is the first Extra Care scheme to be developed in the town.

Staffordshire County Council has worked with several other organisations on the project, including the Department of Health and Stafford Borough Council.

Together, they have provided 34 apartments and eight bungalows, which have been made available to older people in the local area for rent and sale.

Extra Care housing enables people aged 55 and over to live in self-contained accommodation with the added security of CCTV, door entry systems and, for those that need it, staff on site 24 hours a day to provide support and personal care.

Summer Field Court also incorporates a range of facilities for both residents at the scheme and Stone's wider community including a residents' lounge, restaurant and hairdressing salon with a range of social activities on offer.

The scheme is also the new base of Stone's Day Centre – named by service users as the New Kitchener Day Centre.

The scheme was officially opened by county councillors John Wakefield and Susan Woodward. Councillor Wakefield said: "This is a valuable new facility for older people in Stone as it means that they can retain their independence and continue to live locally with the added reassurance of on site support and care if they need it.

"The range of facilities on offer at Summer Field Court will enable it to become a valuable resource within the town, particularly now that the New Kitchener Day Centre is located there."

Councillor Woodward added: "The scheme provides an environment which will allow older people to have as much support as they need and live their lives as they wish."