Welshpool’s Neuadd Maldwyn reaches capacity
Neuadd Maldwyn, owned and managed by ClwydAlyn, is home to 72 residents, with Abacare delivering direct care and support to 25 of them.
It is helping older people maintain their independence for longer while also assisting in the avoidance of more than £500,000 a year in social care costs for Powys County Council.
Demand for extra care housing (independent living but with care and support available when needed) in the Welshpool area is among the highest in Powys. It has seen a significant increase in the number of people aged over 85 and those living with dementia.
Neuadd Maldwyn, the former home of Powys County Council in the town, was redeveloped with funding from Welsh Government and private finance secured by social housing provider ClwydAlyn. Some of the 66 one and two-bedroom apartments are located within the restored neo-Georgian Grade II listed building, while others have been built alongside it.
One of its residents, Jenny, says she has peace-of-mind living at Neuadd Maldwyn knowing that help is on hand if she needs it at any time of the day or night. She said: “People here have the knowledge to cater for anything that might happen to us. So, it’s a lot safer, which settles my mind.”
Rod is delighted with the location and layout. He said: “For me the biggest thing is that it is on the flat and I can use my mobility scooter. It’s one of the big pluses.
“I also appreciate having a hot meal as a single fellow, and you have a good choice of meals. And if you want company at night, you go down to the lounge and you meet people.”
When asked how it compares to his old home he said: “It’s incomparable. I’m living a different life down here.”
Meanwhile, Mary enjoys the independence she has. She said: “If I want to be by myself, especially in the
evenings, I can just lock the front door and it’s my own home. I can go out if I want to, because there are all sorts of things going on – and I know that – but I like to sit here with my cat in the evenings, and it’s my home. I love it!
“It’s very comfortable, quiet and I love the garden at the front!”
Mary said residents also appreciate being able to have their say in how Neuadd Maldwyn is run through monthly house meetings.
Evidence gathered since the scheme opened shows some residents now require less support than they did when living in the wider community, or in residential care, fewer ambulance call-outs and shorter hospital stays.
A few are receiving more care than before, but the cost of delivering it at Neuadd Maldwyn is lower than elsewhere.
Abacare has found it easier to recruit staff to provide care at Neuadd Maldwyn due to its town-centre location and family-friendly shift patterns. The provider has recruited several people who were new to the care sector and reports that staff wellbeing has improved because travel time between visits has been significantly reduced.
The location of the scheme has also helped reduce mileage costs and carbon emissions.
Welsh Government Regional Integration Funding was allocated to the scheme by Powys Regional Partnership Board.
Co-Vice Chair of the board and Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, Councillor Pete Roberts, said: “Over time it is hoped that residents of independent living schemes in Powys, like the one at Neuadd Maldwyn, will stay healthier and maintain their independence for longer. It is also helping to combat social isolation with residents organising their own clubs and social events and providing informal support to one another.
“It has been so successful that further similar schemes are being developed in Ystradgynlais and Brecon to help address the needs of older residents in those areas too.”
Brendan McWhinnie, Housing Manager from ClwydAlyn said: “Living at Neuadd Maldwyn has made an invaluable difference to our residents. Dignity, independence and choice are what we offer here; with residents free to live their lives as they wish.
“The combination of purpose-built homes, a supportive environment and a welcoming team, ensures that all of our residents can become part of our thriving community.”
Karen Sherwood, Regional Operations Director Wales at CCH Group added: “Abacare are proud to be working in partnership with Powys County Council and ClwydAlyn to deliver high-quality care and support within Neuadd Maldwyn. By working collaboratively, we are empowering people to live as independently as possible in a safe, welcoming environment, while receiving the personalised care they need to thrive within their local community.”
PICTURES
Neuadd Maldwyn resident Jenny in her living room.
Rod on the patio area outside his flat.
Mary sitting on her balcony.
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