Our supported living scheme in Chatham has undergone a radical makeover, to improve the communal area and support residents who wish to continue living independently.
A review of Snodhurst House, by mhs homes customer scrutiny panel, revealed resident opinions that it looked institutional and outdated.
Before the refurbishment...
The supported living manager, Sue Rudd then took the initiative to create a number of mood boards, alongside an external resource centre.
Residents were invited to share their views of how the scheme could be improved.
Now a year on and the communal area has been revitalised with a lick of paint, comfortable chairs, new curtains, flooring and decorative paintings.
June Patey has been on the customer scrutiny panel for 18 months and said: “This is more than just a bit of paint - it makes a huge difference to people’s wellbeing and maintaining their independence.
“It looks like it could be a seaside bed and breakfast!”
...and after - lovely!
An opening afternoon tea was held in the newly decorated area on Tuesday 20 June and residents from the scheme and nearby bungalows gathered for tea and cakes.
It’s had a fantastic impact on the elderly residents too.
“I come down here everyday at half past eight for my morning coffee” said Theresa Sullivan, a resident at Snodhurst House, on Wayfield Road.
Theresa Sullivan
“This communal area helps me to be independent and meet other people living in the House – it’s bought the whole place to life”, she added.
Ray Riddle has been a resident with mhs homes for 20 years and said: “I spend everyday down here, bingo is on a Thursday and we have fish and chips once a month – this area is important to meet up with people.
Ray Riddle
“I’ll stay here till I get carried out in a box!” he added.
Staff are overjoyed with the impact the facelift is having on resident’s attitudes and independence.
Sue Rudd said: “I can’t believe how fantastic this looks, it’s so brilliant to see."
“All of our sheltered schemes due to be redecorated will now follow the same process, as it’s worked so well! We want to make more mood boards and consult residents, to make sure they’re involved with the whole process”.