10/09/12…..Brand new extra care facility for Thame’s elderly

THAME’S MP, John Howell, has officially opened South Oxfordshire?s first Extra Care development for older people at Corbetts Way in Thame.

Soha Housing Ltd has developed the scheme on the former ground of Thame United Football Club to provide 40 flats for rent and shared ownership purchase.

Steve Lynch, Director of Property and Development at Soha said: “Extra Care promotes independent living for older people with care needs. Each self-contained apartment is designed to meet the needs of older people and to allow them to remain independent for as long as possible. Care is available on-site for 24 hours a day by our care providers Housing21 and this ensures residents? care needs can be met in an appropriate and flexible way.

“Residents say that they like the programme of activities around the communal facilities and gardens here and they especially like that they can take part as much or as little as they like. Soha strongly believes that Extra Care Housing offers a far better option for older people than other more institutionalised forms of care provision. Soha is looking forward to developing its next Extra Care scheme in Goring.?

John Howell said, “Thame Extra Care scheme is excellent because it provides its own community without any sense of it being isolated from the wider neighbourhood and all the town has to offer.”

Resident Clive Sherwin (pictured with his dog Benny) said, ?This scheme has given my life back. I have a beautiful apartment that is so well designed it has given me independence – even though I am in a wheelchair.?

For further information, please contact Liz Roberts, Resident Involvement and Marketing Department, Soha Housing Ltd. Tel: 01235 515 900 or email: lizroberts@soha.co.uk.