New supported living scheme for people with dementia

A new supported living facility for people with dementia is due to open in Newtownabbey in summer 2015, the Northern Health Trust has confirmed.
Closing down: The Northern Health Trusts Moylinney residential home in Monkstown. INNT 07-068-FPClosing down: The Northern Health Trusts Moylinney residential home in Monkstown. INNT 07-068-FP
Closing down: The Northern Health Trusts Moylinney residential home in Monkstown. INNT 07-068-FP

The Moylinney residential home at Ballyalton Park, Monkstown is being closed down as the Trust has deemed it “not fit for purpose.” It will be replaced by a new facility located at Abbots Gardens, near Whiteabbey Hospital.

The Trust gave confirmation of its plans this week after a member of staff at Moylinney claimed that management were keeping workers in the dark.

“The last of the permanent residents left last week,” the Trust employee said. “But management are telling us nothing about what’s happening in terms of the replacement facility or what is going to happen to staff when the place closes.”

Responding, a Trust spokesperson commented: “A new supported living scheme for 24 people living with dementia will replace Moylinney residential home, which is acknowledged as not being fit for purpose.

“The new scheme will be designed in line with best practice principles to meet the needs of people living with dementia and will combine all the advantages of living in your own home with the benefits of access to on-site specialist support and care. It will provide an environment that promotes privacy and dignity, enables couples to remain together and allows families to visit and stay.

“Throughout the process the Trust has engaged with service users, carers and voluntary organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Age NI.

“The Trust is working in partnership with Trinity Housing Association with a view to completion in summer 2015.”

The spokesperson said that Moylinney will close down when the daycare service currently provided at the facility transfers to another Trust daycare unit “in the coming weeks.”

She revealed that the majority of staff have been “matched with alternative posts”, adding that “the Trust is continuing to work with remaining staff to secure redeployment opportunities.”