New day care centre for older people opens in Oldham

Age UK Oldham launched its new day care centre on Highlands during an event last month, which was attended by guests including some of the people who come to the charity each week.

Yvonne Lee, chief executive of Age UK Oldham, welcomed Jayne Ratcliffe, Oldham Council’s Head of Adult Social Care, along with other local health and care staff, to mark the occasion.

Ms Ratcliffe, who cut the ribbon to mark the formal opening of Ashby House Day Care Centre, said: "I am delighted to have been asked to formally open Ashby House Day Centre. Age UK Oldham does invaluable work across Oldham, offering a range of services, including day care that our residents really value.

Age UK Oldham staff and people who visit the charity were at the opening (Image: Age UK Oldham)

"Day care services like this give great social benefits to those who attend and help people and their families to connect, whilst also combating loneliness.

"As with the other Age UK Oldham facilities, this new centre provides a homely feel, which is welcoming and will support vulnerable adults from across the community. I am sure it will be another great asset here in Oldham."

Age UK's Day Care service looks to deliver a high standard of personalised care, by meeting the needs of individuals while prioritising their dignity.

The centres allow family members and carers to take time for themselves while their loved ones are looked after.

Yvonne Lee, left, and Jayne Ratcliffe, centre, speaking to one of the attendees (Image: Age UK Oldham)

Ms Lee said: "Following on from the success and positive feedback we’ve had from our Bluebells Day Centre in Moorside which opened in 2018, we are so pleased to be able to offer a second centre set in another beautiful residential bungalow.

"Ashby House is wholly centred around the clients’ wants and needs – many of whom live with varying forms of dementia."

The bungalow is based on Highlands in Royton (Image: Age UK Oldham)

Age UK Oldham has opened the care centre after getting planning permission to develop the bungalow into the centre last year.

Sue Fletcher, Care Services Manager at Age UK Oldham, said: "We are so proud of our staff for their hard work in creating this ‘home from home’ setting for our clients to enjoy.

"The response from attendees and their families has been fantastic so far and it’s really good to know we are able to make clients feel comfortable and settled whilst in our care."