The Duchess of Northumberland has opened open a luxury assisted living scheme in Ponteland, praising the developer and staff.
The Royal Hampton, built on the former cattle auction site by Crown Care, has already welcomed its first residents and will eventually provide a luxurious home for 73 people with furnishings and facilities more akin to a five-star hotel than a residential care home.
It has been designed to enhance the independent lifestyle of residents, while offering a more extensive choice of communal living.
After meeting residents and staff during an hour-long tour, the Duchess said Crown Care was “setting new standards” and the staff were “very special.”
She told residents, families, guests and staff: “I have been so impressed by what I have seen. All the touches around the home are wonderful. There is nothing they haven’t thought about.”
There are treatment rooms where professional beauticians and therapists can offer spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, plus a hair salon. Residents can have their meals in the Shakespearean restaurant and also book tables booking tables to dine with family and friends. The Dickens bistro has a licensed bar and an a la carte menu for residents and anyone visitors.
There is a library, with internet café, a quiet lounge, a social TV room and free wifi access throughout.
Michael Ladhar, a director of Crown Care said: “The Royal Hampton really is a care home with the wow factor – it is the jewel in our crown.
“It has an air of opulence but with a warm, homely feel. We are confident we have met our aspiration to deliver the best quality environment the region has to offer while providing the highest possible standards of care to ensure those who come to live here or stay with us for a short time get the care, attention and lifestyle they deserve.
“Each of the single bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms while there are a number of suites with private lounges and kitchens to help our residents maintain independence. It is close to the town centre and we have strong links with a number of local groups to ensure our residents will be very much part of the community.”
Royal Hampton will cater for all categories of care either long-term, respite or day care with a holistic approach toward individuals and their families.
The site also includes two three-bedroom bungalows and four three-bedroom town houses with associated car parking, service amenities and garden area.
Royal Hampton will eventually employ 100 staff, all paid above the living wage. For more information email info@crowncaregroup.co.uk or call 0191 2708649.