Our Lloyd Court housing with care scheme recently celebrated its 20th birthday – with two centenarian tenants leading the party!
100 year-olds Pattie Knopp and Marion ‘Bubs’ Wilkinson were named ‘Party Queens’ at the scheme celebrations (all socially distanced, of course) in High Kelling, Norfolk.
Opened in 2000, Lloyd Court provides 40 self-contained flats, each with 24-hour access to care. The housing with care scheme allows older people to live independently and yet still receive the individual levels of care they need.
Tenants and NorseCare staff at the scheme joined Pattie and Bubs for a socially-distanced party to mark the milestone, with tea, cakes and entertainment.
Pattie, who moved into Lloyd Court just under a year ago, said:
This is the only place I would ever go to live. I was brought up as a very independent person, but I like having company as well, so the combination of those things here is ideal for me.
It’s the best of both worlds; you have got your independence if you need it, you can shut your front door – but you know the care is here if you need it.
Pattie’s words were echoed by ex-Wren Bubs, who has lived at Lloyd Court for more than 4 years and who celebrated her 100th birthday in June.
My daughter said I should go into a nursing home, but my independence is very important to me. I had seen Lloyd Court before when I used to visit a friend who lived here, so when I got a place here I was looking forward to moving in.
I haven’t been disappointed. I have my own flat, but receive lots of help and support from the staff here. I regard every single member of staff as a friend. And I love having the flat to myself!
Broadland Housing Association chief executive Michael Newey, who joined tenants for the celebrations, said that marking the 20th anniversary of the scheme was important, given the current Coronavirus restrictions.
Michael said:
In conjunction with NorseCare, we took the decision to go into lockdown early at Lloyd Court, and the staff have worked so hard to keep tenants safe. It was difficult for tenants not to be able to receive visits from their families, but all the staff have made a huge effort to keep everyone’s spirits up, which we really appreciate.
We partner with NorseCare to operate Lloyd Court. The scheme was rated outstanding for its quality of care by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its most recent inspection, with an overall rating of ‘Good’.
Following the easing of lockdown, our 8 housing with care schemes across Norfolk are once again accepting applications from potential tenants. Find out more about the schemes and how to apply.