New homes to help people living with dementia

A new council housing scheme in central Brighton will help people with dementia carry on living independently.

The Brooke Mead Extra Care scheme in Albion Street will provide 45 self-contained rented flats, with the first residents moving in now. 

The development is designed for people living with low to moderate dementia and other people who need a little more care and support. Carers are on site around the clock if needed, and the scheme has a communal garden, lounge and social activity rooms. 

Agincare has been commissioned to provide on-site care, and the council is working with a range of organisations to develop a vibrant and active community at the scheme.

Brooke Mead is the first extra care scheme to be built and managed by Brighton & Hove City Council. With a growing number of older people in the city and pressure on adult social care budgets, the scheme will help prevent or delay people needing more expensive residential care.

Councillor Anne Meadows, chair of the council’s Housing & New Homes Committee, said: “Brooke Mead is the first extra care scheme of its kind in the city with a real focus on dementia and it is great to see it complete and ready for residents.

“It’s not a care home, so it won’t necessarily be the right place for everyone living with dementia, but it will provide more support than the council’s other seniors housing schemes. It will also be suitable for people who need extra care and support for other reasons, not just those with dementia.

“Residents will have their own home and their own furniture and possessions around them, but also the reassurance of knowing there is extra help on hand 24/7 if they need it.”

People who think the flats may be suitable for them or a relative can visit the Brooke Mead scheme by appointment. The scheme manager will be available to answer any questions and offer a tour of the building and its facilities. The flats include wheelchair accessible properties.

All applications will be subject to the council’s Allocations Policy and approval by the council’s adult social care team to ensure the scheme meets the needs of the resident. While priority will be given to council tenants and eligible applicants on the housing register, people living in private accommodation in Brighton & Hove can also apply.

For more details on how to apply, contact the Housing Customer Services team on 01273 293030 or email housingcustomerservices@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

The Brooke Mead Extra Care Scheme is part of the council’s New Homes for Neighbourhoods programme, aiming to build 500 new rented homes on council land.

For more information, visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/Brooke-Mead.