Independence for older people moves forward as Nicola Sturgeon opens Rosebank Centre

Tue, 02 Feb 2010

Provision for the care of older people in East Ayrshire received a boost recently as the Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon MSP, visited the newly opened Rosebank Resource Centre in London Road, Kilmarnock.

Following extensive consultation with older people a clear strategy was agreed in 2006 to satisfy their needs. It became clear that older people wanted help to be more independent; to have choice and control over how they manage their own lives; and to be able to access the support necessary to stay in their own home whenever it is safe and practical. The Rosebank Centre has been developed in direct response to the consultation.

At that time, the Council unanimously agreed a clear strategy to support the shift in the balance of care from Care Homes and Hospital settings to supporting older people at home. A cornerstone of the strategy has been to replace former Residential Units with modern facilities, allowing the Council to support people at home and reduce the length of time older people spend in hospital, maintaining a figure of zero delayed discharges for many months. Rosebank fulfils part of this strategy.

Speaking during the visit, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “We are delighted to say that at the end of 2009 this building was delivered on time, on budget and to a superb quality specification. We have real confidence that the staff, guided
by the service users, will make the best of this opportunity and deliver caring and innovative services. Already around many older people are benefitting from the support on offer”.

“ We clearly recognise the challenges of the present economic climate, but the Council has made provision to continue to ensure that East Ayrshire emerges from this downturn stronger and better able to deliver 21st century services to our communities.”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said “Rosebank is a great example of the kind of care and support that helps people to remain in their own homes as long as possible. By investing in this kind of day centre, more older people here in Kilmarnock can benefit from greater choice.

“Up to forty people a day will be able to attend Rosebank, learning new skills and being helped to maintain their independence – which will in turn enable them to remain in their own homes and communities for a long time to come.”
Rosebank caters for thirty people per day, plus eight people in the evenings, giving them an opportunity to develop skills old and new. A lunch club is also available for 10 people each day. The support of the centre aims to help maintain their independence where possible.

The centre itself is modern in design and is spacious, bright and airy with rooms to accommodate all types of activities and social events. There is a cafe area, dining area and large multipurpose activity areas used for bowling, quizzes, snooker, photography, wii computer games, films and slide shows etc. A quiet room is also available for those who do not feel up to socialising. Meeting rooms are available, by appointment, for older people’s and community groups.

Outdoors there is an attractive, self contained garden which will enable service users to meet socially, for outdoor activities and gardening.

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