Homelife’s Limes Place
Limes Place in Colne was developed to provide new supported housing for people living in a residential care home. The care home was due to close and the people who lived there were given the choice as to whether they would like to move to Limes Place. Care staff would move also to help people with a range of support needs to live as independently as possible.
We found a site that was in a residential area and very close to the town centre. We worked very closely with people to develop the plans, and to choose kitchens and layouts; and people visited the site during the construction right through to moving in.
For the first-time people had their own front doors, their own TVs and are they are supported to shop and cook for themselves, stocking their own cupboards and fridges. Limes Place also features landscaped gardens and a large communal area. As people had lived in a residential care home setting for a long time the communal area was provided for familiarity for people who had enjoyed each-others company in the care home lounge. The space has also had a wide range of uses by people since they moved in.
Limes Place provides specialist housing for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, dementia and physical disabilities.
It was great to have people involved in the development of their own homes and for them to move in and keep the carers who they are familiar with. Already there are some great success stories:
“One person was very institutionalised, after living in residential care for many years. He had developed problems with hoarding and often didn’t leave his room. He is now very happy his apartment is immaculate and he is going out into town daily and now has his own bank account and debit card”.
“Two female friends from the residential care home now have neighbouring apartments and are enjoying going out with support to local cafes and pubs”.
“Going from having one room, to living in my own apartment is liberating. I have all of my favourite shops within a short walk. I love to hear the church bells ringing and get a taste of the history of Colne.”