At MacIntyre, we challenge perceptions and encourage independence. In the spirit of changing perceptions, we thought we’d try something a little different – and sent our Communications Lead, Calum McNally, to reflect on his visit to Knowsley Road, in the Wirral as it celebrated its first anniversary.
Having not come from a social care background, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d heard crude analogies of people living in communal homes, or in large-scale developments, with forced socialising and every hour dictated by a schedule.
But, however financially convenient, a ‘one size fits all’ approach might be, it has given me a cynical outlook.
Whilst I am aware that things have generally improved across the social care sector, the days of grouping people together in a care home aren’t such a distant memory, unfortunately.
Enter, Knowsley Road
MacIntyre puts people who draw on our support at the very heart of what we do, and everything we do has a completely person-centred approach; so how would we flip the perception of communal living?
I had the opportunity to visit Knowsley Road, ahead of its first anniversary, having opened in June 2023.
As soon as I arrived, it felt like I was welcomed home.
It was bright, warm, caring, and most importantly, genuine. Nowhere to be seen were the endlessly long corridors of single rooms, instead, 10 absolutely amazing homes, each with their own front door. Each home completely bespoke to each person’s needs, with tracking hoists, wheelchair accessibility, adapted kitchens and bathrooms where needed.
I met a few of the people who lived there, and the staff who support them – all of whom were delighted to share with me their experience, telling me how they have settled into their new home. For some, it’s the first step in becoming independent, having never lived by themselves before, and although had found it daunting to begin with, felt they had settled really well.
They also told me they felt they could be themselves, and felt they could be supported to do the things they wanted to do. Where some people much preferred their own space, and chose to stay in their flats, others enjoyed spending time together in the extensive gardens or conservatory.
Knowsley Road prides itself on encouraging independence, supporting people to get out and involved in their communities to meet new friends, find new hobbies, employment or to just find out what is going on; to the team, it is paramount to them to make sure people continue to feel happy and safe in their homes.
By empowering people to make decisions about their lives, MacIntyre delivers a completely person-centred approach, and support each and every person to live a life that makes sense to them. Our approach to communal living is no different.
Anniversary Celebrations
In June, Knowsley Road held a garden party in celebration of all the efforts and achievements over the last year from both the people living there and of staff.
Friends, families and the local community were invited to celebrate what has been achieved and to also look forward at what else can be done to continue to move forward.
It was a glorious day as the weather was eventually kind and the sun came out – with a DJ, stalls, and a raffle, everyone joined in.
It was a huge success with families, staff and friends really enjoying the day and they can’t wait to get planning for the next garden party- watch this space…
