A Nottingham couple are enjoying being reunited in a new £9m supported housing development in Nottingham after a four month separation – their first in 58 years of marriage.
Frank and Jessie Thomas are now back together after 78 year old Jessie, a retired machinist, had to move into residential care because she could no longer cope with steps. Eighty year old Frank was amongst the first residents at LHA-ASRA’s new Albany House in St Ann’s, which offers extra-care accommodation for residents over 55 years old. The couple were reunited in their new flat in Albany House at the end of August.
Former crane operator Frank says: “We’ve been together for more years than I can remember, bringing up eight children together, so being apart was an awful jolt for us both. Albany House has thrown us a real lifeline. Jessie can get the extra care that she needs as she suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes. We can live together with the peace of mind that help is at hand, 24 hours a day, should we need it.
“Our new flat is lovely. In fact, Albany House is lovely. We can sit out and enjoy the sun in the secure garden, or if we’re feeling more adventurous there’s a roof terrace with fantastic views over the rooftops. We’re also looking forward to meeting new people in the new day centre, which we can access without having to leave the building!
“Jessie needs a wheelchair to get around and the whole building has been designed to be completely wheelchair accessible, including the air-conditioned lifts. There’s also a community café and hairdressers on the ground floor of the building and we’ve got a lovely communal sitting room.”
Albany House is on the former site of Welland Court self-contained flats for the elderly, just off Carlton Road, St Ann’s. Albany House includes a mix of 71 one bed and 1 bed with study, social rent extra care apartments. The complex also includes a new community café and hairdressers which are opening on site in the coming weeks, as well as a communal lounge and activity rooms.
Estelle Williamson, Scheme Manager for LHA-ASRA, says: “Albany House is a stunning new community asset for St Ann’s. It’s also a lovely home for people looking for supported living, whilst retaining as much independence as suits them. We’re holding two open days – on 21st and 22nd September – where we’ll open our doors for people to come and take a look at our fantastic facilities.
“We’d also encourage anyone over the age of 55 who is considering making the move to supported accommodation to contact us and make an appointment – they’ll receive a very warm and enthusiastic welcome from our team and I’m sure will be knocked out by the high quality of the accommodation. It’s wheelchair accessible throughout and is set up to provide full domiciliary care, if residents require that level of support.”
The land has been provided by Nottingham City Council for £1 on a 125yr lease. As part of the project LHA-ASRA also built a 60 space day care centre adjacent to Albany House. This was funded by Nottingham City Council and replaces an existing Nottingham City Council centre that no longer meets modern standards.
Albany House also includes a number of innovative green initiatives, including whole house heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, bio-diverse green roof and the building is also connected to the district heating system.
Funding for the development was secured in a joint venture between the Department of Health (£2,920,000), Homes and Communities Agency (£2,930,000), Nottingham City Council (£1,100,000) and LHA-ASRA Group (£2,050,000). The construction contractor was Kier Group.
Viewings of Albany House can be made by prior appointment. Contact Estelle Williamson on 0116 257 6888 to arrange a day and time.
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