A £400,000 makeover has been unveiled for an Earley-based short break facility for adults with learning disabilities.
Run by Optalis, the Wokingham Borough Council owned Loddon Court has reopened its doors following an opening led by Wokingham Borough Deputy Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services Cllr David Hare, and shadow executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services Cllr Phil Cunnington.
The centre offered flexible, round-the-clock care including overnight stays, short breaks and afternoon visits for adults with learning disabilities who live in a family environment.
Optalis took over the running of the service in July last year, and has been making much needed improvements, with refurbishment works starting earlier this year.
The respite centre has been modernised to offer an inclusive space for people with all abilities, with an improved layout and accessibility to bathrooms and an adapted kitchen featuring a height adjustable cooker and sink, improved aesthetics, enhanced safety features and new furniture.
Loddon Court received a charity donation of £3,500 from The Integrated Network for Special and Additional Needs (INSAAN) to update the garden areas, turning them into usable and enjoyable spaces for people who stay.
Executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr David Hare, said: “This respite service was desperately in need of an overhaul and has been transformed into a lighter, welcoming and inclusive space.
“We strive to offer quality care and support, at the right time, to prevent the need for long-term care and Optalis has listened to the people we work with and their families’ needs and have vastly improved the service.
“The improved, accessible layout is crucial to the scheme, allowing safe navigation around the building while giving people the confidence to use the adapted new rooms.”
This view has been echoed by the chief executive of Optalis, David Birch, who said it had been a joy to see the delight of the people it supports and their families as they explored redecorated rooms at Loddon Court.
“My team and I are proud of the improvements that have been made and we are grateful to Wokingham Borough Council for making it possible,” he said.
“When a happy customer tells you that, ‘it’s everything I want it to be and I can’t wait to come back’, it makes it all worthwhile.”
People who visit or stay at Loddon Court can experience a variety of leisure activities such as arts and crafts, music and singing, dance, fitness and cooking.
One of the short break service users, Jay Dudakia, said: “I enjoy going to Loddon Court, because I get to hang out with my friends. I know that it also gives my family an important break too. The new kitchen is impressive.
“It has a kitchen surface that goes up and down so that people who use wheelchairs can get involved in cooking as well.
“I’m most excited about the garden being redone, so that we can get outside and barbecue.”
