Abbeyfield Esk Moors Lodge, a new extra care Abbeyfield house at Castleton on the North Yorkshire Moors, was officially opened by Dame Gillian Wagner on 22nd June. The project, a ground breaking initiative pioneered by local volunteers, brings 21st century care to older people in a remote rural area.
In addition to the accommodation in twelve one and two bedroom self contained flats there are care facilities such as help with bathing, dressing etc available for the residents. Care is also provided for older people in the community through Esk Moors Caring based at the site. There is also a thriving community centre, the Bradbury Centre, open to everyone in the local area, providing fitness classes, craft workshops, talks etc as well as a “bistro” for the residents and the community through which meals can be ordered and special themed menu evenings are arranged.
The scheme, which cost nearly £3.6 million, was developed by Abbeyfield with support from North Yorkshire County Council and Scarborough Borough Council as well as numerous charitable funders. The launch was attended by Derek Law corporate director of North Yorkshire County Council’s adult and community services who said “”Esk Moors Lodge is already proving to be a great asset to the local area with the wide range of activities in the Bradbury Centre and being the hub of care for older people in the area” Also attending were Abbeyfield Chairman Michael Staff and Abbeyfield Chief Executive Paul Allen who said “Esk Moors Lodge and the Bradbury Centre are excellent examples of Abbeyfield’s aim to provide local affordable housing with support and care for older people”. For the staff it was a great day not to be missed – even by carer June McGouran who was also celebrating her 70th birthday that day! June said “I wouldn’t have missed the opening for anything! It is such a lovely thing they have achieved”. Abbeyfield Esk Moors residents also attended the party and enjoyed the occasion.