1. Welcome Portland House - a fresh look at
Housing and support for older people
Presented by Chris Lamb
St. Helens Borough Council

2. Introduction
Portland House shows how organisations in partnership can develop pioneering projects. The scheme harnesses the best in housing support and construction practice, and has broken the mould by taking a fresh look at design and funding options. It has changed the way Local Authority provides care and support for people with dementia.

3. What St. Helens required
a building design which would provide a safe but empowering home for tenants
one which would help them maximise their skills and independence but which would be experienced on an ordinary home scale
a place, which was enjoyable to live and work in
a building, which would incorporate research findings on best practice in the design of homes for people living with dementia
a building which incorporated SMART technology as a basic feature, unobtrusive, but effective in reflecting individuals needs within their support package
A flagship development which would show the way forward for future housing / social services partnerships.
Therefore, a detailed specification was developed for Portland House

4. Background Retain choice, control and independence
Wide range of partners invited
Track record and proven expertise
Willing to work as enthusiastic and supportive partners sharing a joint vision.

5. The Partners clear/shared vision share skills and knowledge
problem solve together
share achievements and challenges.

6. Process
a unique and flexible solution

7. Process a unique and flexible solution
The modular design makes the building different

8. Process a unique and flexible solution
The modular design makes the building different
The maintenance of stimulation and independence for tenants

9. Process a unique and flexible solution
The modular design makes the building different
The maintenance of stimulation and independence for tenants
The scheme offers 24-hour support

10. Outcomes a new client area new geographic location
new building designs, technology, and funding streams
In November 2003, Villages and St Helens Council identified suitable land, in the heart of the community, and put a bid together for money from the governments Extra Care Housing budget for a second “Portland House”.

11. Outcomes new model of supported living
supportive, stimulating and rehabilitative environment
person centred, flexible and offers real choice

12. Outcomes Living at Portland House Improves confidence
Offers an empowering environment
Reclaims skills
Provides safety/security
Promotes acceptable risk taking
Promotes social inclusion
Offers SMART technology, supporting independence not intrusion
Offers the privacy of a tenancy within a communal setting
Offers a real choice to alternative care

13. Warts and All!
Partnership working - recognising and understanding roles;
Painstaking research - lead-in time
Supporting People
Council staff ethos - think outside the box
Housing Corporation - didn’t fit their ‘pigeon holes’
Heating and sluices and tiles
Legal costs - Management Agreements, Tenancy Agreement
Carers perspective - Residential Home (NOT)
Providing support
Suitability of Portland House for prospective clients
Chris Lamb - Service Manager Older People St. Helens MBC Keith Gratton - Deputy Chief Executive Villages Housing Debbie Hughes - Manager Portland House MHA Care Group