What: Islington Council is re-opening a specialist residential home for people with learning disabilities<br>Where: 4 Orchard Close, N1<br>When: Friday 27 April 2007 at 1pm<br><br>You are invited to send a photographer and/or journalist.<br><br>Seven Islington residents with learning disabilities and their families, are looking forward to welcoming Cllr John Gilbert, Executive Member for Health and Social Services and Cllr Barbara Smith, Deputy Mayor for Islington Council, this week. <br>They are paying them a visit to formally re-open the newly refurbished residential home on Friday (27 April 2007). Islington Council refurbished the home - Orchard Close - at a cost of £500, 000, making it a state-of-the-art residential care home.<br> <br>Cllr Gilbert, said: "Orchard Close is an absolutely wonderful home for some of the most vulnerable people in the borough. Staff are highly trained and will provide round the clock care in a safe well-equipped environment. At the moment they are helping the people living there to give their rooms a personal touch. <br> <br>"We consulted with the people living in Orchard Close and their families before we started any work and kept them informed of the progress throughout the seven months it took to refurbish. We wanted to be absolutely sure the home was exactly what they needed. I am absolutely delighted that at long last residents have moved back home and are settling in well." <br><br>Staff cook all residents' meals on the premises using fresh ingredients and residents are encouraged to help plan the menus and play an active role in the running of the home. Each resident has a named support worker who organises their care plan and pulls together information about the individual's needs. They are also a useful point of contact for families.<br><br>As part of the refurbishment, 4 Orchard Close, which previously had six bedrooms, was expanded to include an extra bedroom. With widened doorways and large bathrooms, the home meets all the current accessibility standards. Useful equipment like an emergency call system for staff to contact each other quickly in emergency situations, a voice entry system and overhead electronic hoists to help residents into and out of wheelchairs or beds, will help ensure a safe comfortable environment.<br> <br>The single storey home is fully furnished with a dining area, kitchen and lounge and has a pleasant garden with extended patio and raised flower beds so residents can do gardening. There is also an activity room where residents can relax by playing and listening to music.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009