Maesteg - Assisted Living/Extra Care Home - Later Living Architects

The architectural arrangement located the 10 ensuite bed space residential care on the ground floor with the majority of Extra Care communal space also located on the ground level.

During the pandemic, residents were required to remain in their apartments except for being allowed, on a rota basis, to use the large garden area where the undercover and open areas allow residents to socially distance whilst enjoying the outdoors.

The Challenge

Our later living & care architects’ proposal to combine Residential Care and Extra Care was a new venture for both Bridgend County Borough Council and for Linc Cymru. Bridgend were in the process of decommissioning two of their care homes and needed to re-provide some of their care bed spaces.

The architectural arrangement located the 10 ensuite bed space residential care on the ground floor with the majority of Extra Care communal space also located on the ground level. The 20 Extra Care apartments are located at the first and second floors. The remainder of the site has been developed to provide 17 one and two bedroomed bungalows.

Our Solution

Both the services and management were separated, and our design has proved adaptable for managing Covid-19. We have received positive feedback; the co-operation of the two parties has to date recorded a Covid free development, largely due to the staff regime and their ability to make best use of the building facilities.

The build design has allowed the management to keep residents segregated throughout the ‘lockdown period’ whilst also being able to keep them entertained with a series of activity packs and good communication with on duty staff.

The double bi-parting entry doors allow controlled access to staff, allowing the questioning of all visitors and relatives. With fob access control providing a further defensive line available to control movement around both the Extra Care area of the building and the care area.

During the pandemic, residents were required to remain in their apartments except for being allowed, on a rota basis, to use the large garden area where the undercover and open areas allow residents to socially distance whilst enjoying the outdoors.

The on-site kitchen arrangements also enable staff to provide full meals to all apartments using the hot trolley with staff adhering to strict PPE requirements.

Aside from during the pandemic, Trudy Davis and Richard Sheahan from Linc confirmed the integrated development has been extremely successful for all parties involved.

The two-part management works well and in harmony with good integration between Extra Care and Care residents. Equally, the bungalow residents are able to use the Extra Care communal facilities and in particular, enjoy family weekend gatherings in the dining room, which are proving a particular highlight for all involved.

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