A new housing scheme to support people between leaving hospital and returning home in Calderdale has welcomed its first residents. It is the first of its size and style in the country, supporting adults of all ages.
 
Heatherstones Court at Skircoat Green, Halifax, has 12 self-contained apartments and offers care, support and the chance to rebuild independence and remain in the community after leaving hospital.
 
The scheme can also help people who have been living in their own home to maintain or regain their independence – practical support helps them to return home once adaptations have been made. It can also enable people to manage changes in their physical health and wellbeing.
 
It was created by Calderdale Council, NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group, Connect Housing and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, bringing a previously unused site back into use and giving people a chance to keep their independence. Heatherstones Court is expected to support over 100 residents every year.  
 
Care, support and housing advice are provided on site to meet each resident’s needs, from physiotherapy to re-learning everyday activities. The aim is to help people regain full confidence, strength and independence after a short stay.
 
Three of the apartments are fully accessible for wheelchairs, with appropriate equipment inside, and have two bedrooms – so a partner, family member or carer can stay there too.
 
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Care, Cllr Ann McAllister, said: “I’m delighted that Heatherstones Court is now up and running. It’s a home away from home, giving people the temporary support they need after being in hospital – or preventing them from having to go into hospital in the first place through rehabilitation support. It helps people to get better quickly, keep their independence and remain an active part of the community, avoiding the need to go into a care home.”