The final stage of development work at Church Farm Care’s Rusticus site in Cotgrave, Nottingham has now started on site – while full planning has also been achieved at the Skylarks site in West Bridgford – bringing its vision of a revolutionary model of dementia care one step closer to reality.
The work at Rusticus will include alterations to the internal layout of the existing building to increase visibility and provide greater flexibility of spaces to promote independence, comfort, and quality of life for residents.
The latest work for Rusticus is the fifth and final phase of the development following previous upgrades to the site including the reception and staff facilities, as well as the addition of balconies to the accommodation. This phase sees the addition of Hickling Lodge, a state of the art 30-bedroom standalone building with new day lounges, kitchen and laundry.
Once complete, all bedrooms will be furnished and equipped to the highest standard with full disabled access. There will also be the addition of three detached, two bed assisted living pods, which will have 24-hour access to nurses and carers, as well as further parking and landscaping – including a walk-through aviary.
The work will also see the development of Socius, a social hub, which will include a cafe, hairdressers and cinema for both residents and the community to access and enjoy, with completion due in September 2021.
In addition to the work at Rusticus, a purchase of land and full planning has finally been achieved at its Skylarks home in West Bridgford. The extension to the Skylarks site will add much-needed facilities both for residents and the local community.
In 2019, over 45 letters and emails were received by Rushcliffe Borough Council in support of its extension, particularly focusing on its hydrotherapy pool. The pool will not only be an invaluable feature for Skylarks’ residents, but an excellent resource for local schools and community groups.
Patrick Atkinson, owner of Church Farm Care Ltd, said: “It’s been an extraordinary and challenging year so far for us – as it has been for care homes up and down the country – but we’re really thrilled to have shovels in the ground for the expansion of our Rusticus home and plans now in place to develop Skylarks even further.
“Our ethos is a model of care centred on creating “families” of residents that live together based on their interests, life experiences, and personalities. Our extension plans are not just about creating more comfortable and accessible environments but about helping to integrate family members into the community through features that bring the public into the centre – when they are again allowed to do so of course.
“The work at Rusticus for instance includes additions to the current onsite salon and cinema, with a new café that will be open to the public as well as a walkthrough aviary with a snaking path for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”
