Spectrum of Choice
Retirement Housing
With an aging population, retirement accommodation and quality services are an important consideration for many households. Bernicia owns a number of retirement (sheltered) housing schemes throughout the North East specifically in;
• Northumberland
• North Tyneside
• Newcastle
• Gateshead
• South Tyneside
• Sunderland
Each scheme has individual self-contained flats, with the additional benefit of a range of communal facilities; these generally include a lounge to host social activities for residents and the community, landscaped gardens, kitchen and laundry.
A dedicated team of community officers provide support for residents to retain their independence, manage their homes, and help them to access other community, health and care services or manage financial matters or difficulties, depending on their individual needs.
There are also a variety of social activities on offer and residents and/or community officers organise regular coffee mornings, arm chair aerobics, craft clubs, whist, outings and entertainers for residents and the community to enjoy if they wish.
Extra Care Housing
Extra Care housing provides all the usual facilities of sheltered housing, further complimented by additional care and support from an onsite team. Bowmont House is our flagship scheme situated in the heart of the proposed town centre on Newcastle Great Park. The scheme has been described as ‘a safe and wonderful place to live, full of vibrancy, enjoyment and care and support, enabling some of the most vulnerable residents to enjoy a high quality of life’.
Bowmont House offers 40 two bedroom flats 6 of which are fully wheelchair accessible , with extensive communal facilities including residents lounge, hairdressing salon and hobbies room, a scooter storage and charging room, assisted bathing area, and guest room for visitors.
To complete the range of services on offer there is also a restaurant offering freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals.
Click on this link to view the Bowmont House Information Leaflet
Bungalows and Flats
We have a significant portfolio of individual retirement bungalows and flats throughout the area, all of which can have a Telecare link for added peace of mind. Coupled with some of the other services listed below, a move to retirement housing could be a positive choice.
All of our housing products are available for rent; however we may also offer properties for sale, or on a shared ownership and shared equity basis.
To find out more about any of our housing products or to make an application contact us on 0844 800 3800 or email; info@bernicia.com.
Aids and Adaptations
Fitting an aid or adaptation in a home can help a person to live more comfortably and independently. Simple adaptations such as grab rails, lever taps, adapted smoke alarms for people with sensory impairments and hand rails are easily fitted and can make a big difference to someone’s comfort and safety.
If you are a Bernicia tenant click here to learn more about this service.
If you own your home please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your particular requirements.
Telecare Alarm Services
Telecare provides support to people in their own homes using technology which links to a 24 hour control centre. Telecare alarm systems are simple to use and can be fitted easily and quickly into any home. By wearing a pendent, wrist band or brooch a person can simply press the alarm and be in touch with a trained operator, skilled in assessing and responding to accidents and emergencies.
Telecare systems can also be enhanced to provide a greater range of services, including fall detectors, temperature control, door sensors and bed sensors.
Visiting Support
Bernicia employs a support team of over 70 trained and dedicated staff, skilled in working with people to understand their needs and offer advice and support to meet these.
A visiting community officer can offer support for someone to retain their independence, manage their homes, and help them to access other community, health and care services, or manage financial matters or difficulties, all depending on their individual needs.
Completing and regularly reviewing a support plan offers a co-ordinated approach which may delay the need for greater reliance on more intrusive or costly services.
This service combined with a telecare system can provide a real comfort to households, and their family or friends, knowingexperienced staff understand their needs and can respond in a planned or emergency situation.
Stay Safe Advice
Stay Safe advice is designed to assess your lifestyle and living environment and offer guidance on how to stay safe, be healthy, and avoid slips, trips and falls. Our officers can offer simple and practical advice on how to identify potential hazards, and improve your safety in and around your home.
Handyperson – Care and Repair
The handyperson service is offered to help with jobs around the home. We can provide a skilled handyperson or team to carry out repairs, maintenance or improvements in your home and offer you peace of mind that this is carried out by a reputable company, employing skilled and appropriately qualified tradespeople.
If you are a Bernicia tenant this service compliments the repairs and maintenance service you already receive, and is free for up to 90 minutes to carry out minor work that has been agreed prior to the visit. Some conditions apply - for further details of this service for tenants click here.