A NEW care unit designed to help elderly people ease themselves back into living at home after a period in hospital has opened its doors.

The unit, based at St Peter’s Court care home in Redcar, caters for anyone who needs overnight care and doesn’t have the help in place to remain at home.

The aim of the scheme is to allow residents to retain their independence as they wouldn’t need to have a prolonged stay in hospital or long term residential care, instead they can stay in the ‘hotel’ style residential unit.

With the focus on short term care, up to a maximum of six weeks, the hope is that a person would be able to move back into their own home after only a short period away.

Almost ten staff have been recruited by owners of the care home, Helen McArdle Care, to solely work at the reablement unit with all of them trained to a high standard through Redcar and Cleveland Borough council’s specific training.

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, cabinet member for health and social wellbeing, said: “The ability to allow members of the community the chance to receive 24 hour care whilst still maintaining their independence in comfortable, ‘hotel-like’ surroundings is a great addition to our care offering.”

At least two members of staff will be present 24 hours a day, seven days a week with additional staff being on hand to help overnight with any issues residents may have.

This is combined with therapy services from the South Tees NHS Trust who will be providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy and therapy assistants in order to further prepare people to move back into the home.

For more information, contact the council’s adult access team on 01642-771500.