First of two Northern care homes nears opening [
ARLINGTON CARE GROUP, a care provider based in Co Durham in the North East, has embarked upon a project to construct a number of purpose-built facilities. Currently nearing completion is the first of those, Hampton Manor in Consett – a 60-bed nursing home located on the main road from Consett to the city of Durham. Built across four storeys, it will offer the very best nursing, dementia and residential facilities. The custom-built facility also boasts a cinema screen, hair and nail salon, library and bar. All bedrooms are generously sized and feature private en suite wet rooms, with movementtriggered lighting and adaptable lighting levels. Together with the design input from M&E specialists, the design was to minimise the home’s impact on the environment by using low-energy installations throughout. In addition, the team has created assisted/passive perimeter stack ventilation in the corridors and heat stations in each bedroom – offering a complete solution for hot water and space heating, with efficient energy transfer. The building is fitted with underfloor heating for efficiency and the wellbeing of the residents. Company director Vinny Sandhu explained: “We wanted Hampton Manor to be designed to be a lovely place to live and work in. I strongly believe in delivering outstanding care for the elderly 24-hours-a-day with five-star accommodation to match. I’m extremely excited for the home opening and the impact it will make in the local area.
“Not only will Hampton Manor deliver a considerable amount of investment to the Consett area, it will also serve to address a recognised shortage of care beds across the area. We believe that the development of the home reflects the changing needs and expectations of caring environments. Our aim was always for Hampton Manor to become an excellent example of a modern care home environment, and one which all others will look to in the future.” Dedicated interior designers were appointed to ensure that residents feel relaxed and safe within a homely ambiance, while still providing an environment to facilitate first-class care. The internal planning of spaces allows generous, light-filled, communal areas on every floor. The home has been designed to exude a welcoming and homely atmosphere, as well as providing the essential elements that enable staff to deliver the high standards of care required. A significant feature is the positioning of the staff areas in close proximity to one another – enabling carers to operate effectively with minimum impact and disruption to residents. To enrich the lives of residents living with dementia, special consideration has been given to the collaboration of finishes, signage, artwork, furnishings and lighting. The construction is of a traditional build method, with block-and-brick walls, man-made slate roof and block-and-beam flooring systems. Mr Sandhu appointed his own construction team to undertake the build as main contractor. Hampton Manor is due to open towards the end of this year – ready for the start on site of the next care home Kensington House and their new purpose-built head office Arlington House. There are also plans for an assisted living development with 30-plus apartments in the pipeline. q
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