My move to Middleton’s new extra care flats at Gascoigne House

 

About a year ago I was asked by Tracey of Middleton Elderly Aid and Sue of Gascoigne House if I would like to put my name down, and if passed by a panel, to move into Gascoigne House. It’s a new complex for over 55s built off Middleton Park Avenue.

I have spent 6 wonderful years at Acre Court, managed at the moment by the lovely Jennifer Blackburn, but it is time to move on.

 

 

A month ago I was told I was indeed lucky enough to be offered a place in the Gascoigne House complex.

 

I have been given a fantastic apartment on the first floor overlooking the beautiful gardens. I have a massive balcony which I will make use of with friends in the warmer weather.

Moving home is down as the third most stressful event in life. It would have been for me, if I did not get the fantastic help of Nina Dales and her family. They helped me move into my new apartment and Nina cleaned my flat at Acre Court before I handed over the keys for a new tenant.

Staff of Gascoigne House, including Sue, Sam, Laura, Steph and Nicola made my move to Gascoigne House as smooth as possible. Thank you ladies, sorry if I have forgotten any names.

The Health Care Assistants made me most welcome and I have had coffee with them in the lounge a few times. They have given me a lot of useful information. I also see them every day, as I go about my daily routine.

So thank you April, Rebecca, Debra, Emma and others, again because of my dementia I cannot remember every name.

 

 

I met up with Mavis, Rose and Stephen, new residents who I know from Acre Court, and Mavis from Middleton Elderly Aid.

 

Frank Taylor, who has been a massive help to me over the years as I like to think I have been to him, came to visit me and as he knowsMavis we had coffee with her in the residents’ lounge.

Right, OK, to the complex itself. Gascoigne House has a bistro which I have made use of for breakfast and lunches. They serve anything from a Full English Breakfast to a Bacon Sandwich. Lunches are fantastic and there’s quite a large menu with anything from fish and chips to lasagne. I had a cheese and ham toastie with chips, it was lovely.

Gascoigne House has weekly activities including bingo, board games, dance and exercise, craft sessions and Friday, Coffee and Chat. They plan to introduce more activities as time goes on and more residents move in.

We where asked if we could think of any activities to add, so I suggested Play Your Cards Right and Day Trips maybe to a Christmas Market.

Gascoigne House also has an activity room, orangery and therapy hair and beauty salon. There’s even a roof top garden on the second floor.

I went up to take some photos, but it was blowing a gale. I’m sure it will be OK in the summer.

I look forward to covering events for Gascoigne House in South Leeds Life.

Leeds City Council describes Gascoigne House thus:

“Gascoigne House Extra Care of the over 55s in Middleton , Leeds.

“What is Extra Care? Extra Care Housing provided the for individuals or couples who have care, support and a housing need to live in their own home with their own kitchen in a safe and secure environment within a community setting.

“It enables people to maintain their independence and receive a range of support and care services that meet their individual needs within their home. Each home is accessible and designed or able to be adapted to support the delivery of personal, social and health care services. The flexibility to meet present and future changing needs allows for a home for life.”

 

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