St. Paul’s Court is a facility that offers housing solutions to meet the needs of older people who can no longer live in their current accommodation, providing support to older people with dementia and for their spouses/carers and siblings. Built by Trinity Housing, the complex is leased and run by Praxis Care.
Mr McGimpsey said: “With an aging population and the prevalence of dementia, developments such as St Paul’s Court are most welcome as they provide necessary accommodation and care for people with dementia.
“St Paul’s Court highlights the progress being made in Northern Ireland. It provides a great example of what can be done to improve services, how it can be done and, most importantly, provides a place where those with dementia, and their carers, can achieve a better quality of life while remaining as independent as possible.”
The design of the site and the building is to ensure safety and provide an environment that helps to maintain a homely, domestic atmosphere which is safe but which helps residents to maintain their independence. It allows families flexibility in continuing their care giving and enables older couples or family units to remain together with the support of 24 hour staff on site.
The Minister continued: “I believe the facility we see before us today provides an example of the contribution that can be made by organisations such as Praxis Care and Trinity Housing. This facility is an excellent demonstration of ‘best practice’ in dementia care.”
Notes to Editors:
- Praxis Care is a registered charity and a major provider of services for adults and children with a learning disability, mental ill health, acquired brain injury and for older people, including people with dementia. The group was established in 2002 by the merging of three well-established charities in Northern Ireland.
- Trinity is a charitable Housing Association which provides a range of housing and support services for elderly persons. It has developed award winning housing schemes for frail elderly and for those who suffer from dementia. It has also developed expertise in the field of design of accommodation for people with mental health illness and learning disabilities as well as general family housing.
- Funding is received by Supporting People and Southern Eastern Trust to provide housing support and care on site.
- Bamford estimated (2007) that in Northern Ireland over 16,000 people aged over 65 have dementia, of which 10,000 have been diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s. The number of diagnosed cases is estimated as likely to rise to over 20,000 by 2017 and to over 47,000 by 2051.
- A Northern Ireland Dementia Strategy is currently being developed and is expected to be released for consultation by the end of 2009.
- Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
