Dementia friendly bungalows on track for March completion
22 Jan 2025
An innovative county council led scheme to build 13 dementia friendly affordable bungalows in Blyth is in its final stages of development with the first bungalows on track to be completed by the end of March.
The specialist bungalows are situated at Lyndon Walk and have been designed to specifically support residents who are living with dementia and Alzheimer's, enabling them to live independently in their own home, with support from their spouse, family or carers.
The two bedroomed properties are being built by Advance Northumberland using modern methods of construction and will be available for affordable rent once completed.
They will be allocated via a special allocations process led by the county council’s Adult Social Care service.
The small housing complex will be managed by Northumberland County Council Housing Service staff.
The bungalows have been constructed using an innovative energy efficient method called ICF – or Insulated Concrete Formwork.
This type of construction will keep homes warmer in winter helping to keep heating bills down. It also has more soundproofing creating a quieter indoor environment and improves internal air quality, reducing moisture issues.
Northumberland County Councillor, Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing said:
"This is a really innovative scheme that we are proud to be delivering. It has been designed to support the needs of the county’s increasing ageing population and support those with dementia to lead a safe and independent life. What is more, the bungalows will be available at an affordable rent. The team are working hard and despite the shorter winter days are on track with the development. I’m amazed how much progress has been made so quickly. “
The development has been designed throughout to suit people with dementia, with features including level access wet rooms and specialist technology in each bungalow, allowing residents to make and receive phone calls using a wall mounted, touch screen device, meaning residents and their carers can see each other on screen whilst talking. There will also be smoke and heat detectors that can alert carers and emergency services if needed, signage to aid wayfinding and contrasting colours in the bathroom and hallway doors to help with identification. There will also be contrasting colours in the kitchen to help residents see the difference between the cooker hob and counter tops. Outside, there will be a secure sensory garden that is safe and secure for residents to experience. They will also be very energy efficient with the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Wellbeing added:
“It is fantastic that we are now on countdown for the completion of this ground-breaking supported living scheme for the local community. It is set to provide high quality care and facilities for those living with dementia and enable them to live in a safe, secure and comfortable environment in their local community.”
The bungalows are being built by Advance Northumberland, with the help of funding from Homes England, a government grant funding programme designed to boost the construction of affordable new homes, as well as capital funding from the county council’s Adult Social Care budget to support the delivery of housing to maintain independence.
Photo Left to Right
Northumberland County Cllr Wendy Pattison Cabinet Member for Adults’ Wellbeing, Paul Errington, Director of Ascent Homes at Advance Northumberland, Cllr Colin Horncastle Cabinet member with responsibility for Housing.