EachStep Blackley Is Officially Opened

EachStep Blackley, Community Integrated Care’s groundbreaking new £5 million dementia care service, has been opened today (28th June).

The pioneering service, which will support people from their initial diagnosis until the end of their lives, was formally opened by the Department of Health’s National Clinical Director for Dementia, Professor Alistair Burns, one of the most influential figures in the dementia care sector.

The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including Manchester’s Deputy Lord Mayor – Cllr Naeem ul Hassan; local councillors; senior figures in local health and social care; carer groups and supporters of Community Integrated Care.

The North-Manchester based service provides a complete range of dementia support from one location to assist people with the condition each step of the way. The state-of-the-art service includes a residential and nursing care home, a respite service, as well as a day care service.

EachStep Blackley also delivers home care across Greater Manchester, supporting people with dementia to continue to live independently in their own homes.

EachStep Blackley practically applies a range of research in the field of dementia care and has seen Community Integrated Care work alongside academics, community groups and carer groups, to develop what is one of the UK’s most innovative dementia services. It includes a range of specialist lighting, furnishings and assistive technologies to encourage the independence and comfort of the people it supports.

The development will create at least 80 jobs in the local area, in a range of care, management and administrative roles.

Neil Matthewman, Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care, says: “We are incredibly proud to have officially launched this vital service today. EachStep Blackley will make an incredible difference to the lives of local people with dementia and their loved ones, assisting them through any challenge they may face.”

Neil continues, “By offering specialist support delivered by highly trained, caring staff in exceptional facilities, we are able to provide people with dementia living in Manchester unparalleled care and support.”

About EachStep

The EachStep building has been developed by award winning Altrincham based architects, Pozzoni, and Community Integrated Care’s own dementia care experts to deliver the best possible lifestyle for people with the condition.

EachStep focuses on supporting people with dementia to live full and happy lives, where they are empowered to take part in meaningful activities that reflect their interests, personality and life history by staff who they have strong and lasting relationships with. To support this aim, the service employs a number of specialist staff and every person working in at EachStep Blackley receives high quality dementia training, such as Community Integrated Care’s unique accredited BTEC level course in Dementia Care.

The £5 million service includes extensive facilities to support activities for its users, including large dedicated activity and reminiscence areas; an accessible gym, library and cinema screen for leisure and recreation; as well as domestic kitchens and laundry facilities, so residents can continue to take part in household tasks, should they wish. It also features expansive gardens that have been planned to be comforting and accessible to people with dementia.