The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited MSV’s latest extra care scheme Elmswood Park in Manchester today to meet with residents and colleagues and learn more about the scheme's work.
With 72 one and two bedroom apartments for social rent at Elmswood Park, the scheme has been carefully designed to make life as easy as possible for the over 55s. The scheme also offers a high standard of on-site support from the housing management team and a consistent care service for customers who need it.
During his visit, Andy Burnham met with residents to hear about their experiences of living at Elmswood Park. He also toured the scheme's spacious apartments, gardens and communal lounges.
Andy Burnham was impressed with the scheme and the work the team does to support people in later life. He said: “Elmswood Park is a fantastic example of a beautifully designed extra care scheme here in Manchester, enabling older residents to live their lives to the fullest, whilst ensuring they have access to the support they need.”
Creating more age-friendly homes in Greater Manchester is a vital step towards helping people live happier and healthier lives, as well as promoting community and social connection.”
One of the residents that Andy Burnham met was Vince, who moved to Elmswood Park recently after living in his previous home for 54 years. He has since been very active in supporting the scheme to set up more activities, committees and activities.
Vince said: "Elmswood Park is a great place to live. I have my own apartment which I love and makes my life so much easier, but I also have access to a range of support services if I need it. There are some great activities already in place at the scheme but I’m keen to help build the social scene here even more. The staff are all very friendly and helpful, and I feel very safe and secure here."
Charlie Norman, CEO of MSV Housing Group said: “Rightsizing for older people is essential to address the current housing crisis and meet the needs of our ageing population - it’s so important that we have the right place for people at the right time of their life and the homes at this scheme are of a fantastic quality as well as being affordable. It’s always lovely to meet with the residents here at this wonderful intergenerational scheme - they have spoken about how happy they are to have a community here and people on hand when they need it.”
Andy Burnham's visit to Elmswood Park is a welcome recognition of the important work that extra care schemes do to support residents to live independently whilst giving them peace of mind and improving their wellbeing. Extra care schemes provide a valuable alternative to traditional residential care settings, enabling more people in their later years to thrive.
