Councillors visit older people's village

Members of Rochdale's serving Cabinet went on a fact finding mission to Warrington recently to visit a modern day older people's village.

Councillors Dale Mulgrew, Pauline Maguire and Doreen Brophy-Lee were all in attendance to get a better understanding of how the village works and to look at the possibility of bringing this sort of facility to Rochdale.

The village, named Ryefields, was developed by Arena Housing Association and is managed by the Extra Care Charitable Trust. It holds 241 units that are a mixture of outright ownership, shared ownership and rented. The development also includes a gym, restaurant and various shops.

Councillor Pauline Maguire, Rochdale's Cabinet Member for Older People said: "I was truly amazed by Ryefields Village and the facilities they provide. I enquired about the health care that is offered for the older residents and I was informed that 80 of the residents are given a 24/7 care team and there is also a well being nurse on site. There was also a major focus on activity with various trips out and exercise opportunities available. I believe that we need to challenge the traditional assumptions of what older people can achieve in terms of mobility and rehabilitation and this is exactly what they are doing at Ryefields."

Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Dale Mulgrew said: "The visit to the retirement village was really awe-inspiring and is a remarkable success story. What truly was the most impressive aspect for me though was not the layout of the retirement village, or the extra care facilities - both of which were superb - it was the visible and tangible happiness and contentment of the residents, which was clear for all of us to see. Everyone had a spring in their step, and everyone had a zest for life. This is something that we want to bring to Rochdale so that people should look forward to retirement in a safe, secure, vibrant, and really hospitable environment, which is attractive and where people want to spend the fruits of a life of hard work."

Cabinet Member for Housing, Doreen Brophy-Lee said: "Ryefields village in an absolutely fabulous facility. It provided well-designed housing that enabled the older people to self-care for longer whilst giving them access to any care or other services they may need. All of this helps them retain their independence for longer. This is definitely something that we will be looking into for our Borough."