An innovative new community development that will support older people to live independently by bringing a range of health, care and housing services into a single place in North Tyneside has been given the green light to go ahead.
Recognising that traditional housing for older people needed to be transformed, Northumberland Estates has developed a new concept in senior living that offers independence, freedom and flexibility within a community setting, and close access to health and social care facilities. The result is the Backworth Ageing Well Village, a ground-breaking community development for people living in later life.
The Village will include high-quality residential housing to cater for various lifestyle and care needs, a range of health and care services in a single place, facilities for the local community and a focus on healthy living and well-being.
Under the guidance of Bill Rowntree, an expert in integrated healthcare, a strategic partnership was established between Northumberland Estates and sector experts to deliver the health and rehabilitation services at the heart of the development. Collaborating with partners that recognise the benefits of the Ageing Well concept is vital to its success and Northumberland Estates is delighted to be working with Cumbria Integrated Care Board (formerly North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group), North Tyneside Council, Age UK North Tyneside, and Northumbria Healthcare on this project.
David Straughan, Northumberland Estates, Development Director, said: “The Backworth Ageing Well Village will deliver high-quality homes and support services within an inclusive, well-designed living environment to help people live well into older age. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the NHS and other stakeholders to ensure that these community developments offer the full range of facilities that help occupants live healthier, more independent lives supported by different health and social care professionals.”
The development places lifestyle and wellbeing services for local people as well as integrated health, care and frailty services all in one place to improve continuity of care within the home environment. The provision of 40 intermediate care beds, rehabilitation facilities and a frailty hub on-site aims to reduce the need for hospital admissions and provide longer-term care within the Village complex.
The project is more than health and social care provision. It is also about connecting older people to their local community with well-being and lifestyle opportunities that prioritise independence and inclusivity. The site’s proximity to existing local services along with ample pedestrian, cycle and transport links enables natural integration and connectivity to the wider area making it the ideal location to develop the Ageing Well Village.
The development also acknowledges the importance of intergenerational contact and will include a community hub with a range of facilities including a café, shop, salon, office space, gym, therapy rooms and small shops.
As with all Northumberland Estates developments, sustainability will be key. Sustainable and locally sourced materials will be used where possible and the plans also include extensive green infrastructure, landscaping, and useable open green space to encourage residents to use, contribute to and conserve their outdoor environment.
The Backworth Ageing Well Village has received recognition from NHS partners, Councils and other key stakeholders for its modern and innovative approach to senior living, which places the health and well-being of residents at the heart of its design. The development has been designed by P+HS architects, specialists in the residential and healthcare sectors.