Unique care facility opens in Swinton

A unique new facility aimed at helping people with learning difficulties, disabled people and their carers has been opened in Swinton.
NSYT Site opening Wathwood Lodge, Wath Wood Drive  L>R Liam Seward, Mayor Maggi Clark, William Phiri, Rebecca CuttsNSYT Site opening Wathwood Lodge, Wath Wood Drive  L>R Liam Seward, Mayor Maggi Clark, William Phiri, Rebecca Cutts
NSYT Site opening Wathwood Lodge, Wath Wood Drive L>R Liam Seward, Mayor Maggi Clark, William Phiri, Rebecca Cutts

Project leaders have spent £50, 000 converting an old detached home in Wathwood Drive to a create a six-bed care facility called Wathwood Lodge.

The centre is aimed at providing respite care to people with learning difficulties such as Down’s Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, and people who have undergone a major operation and need rehabilitation.

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Those who attend will be provided with round-the-clock care and get access to a range of activities. It is also aimed at giving carers a break from their daily schedule.

Manager Liam Seward, 34, said: “Our residents will be encouraged to take part in everything from cooking to playing board games and computer games. We also have a huge garden with a vegetable patch that our residents can tend to.”

“We are looking at installing a petting zoo with rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals. The interaction can really help people with learning difficulties to inspire their imagination.

“We also have things like hoists and specially adapted bathrooms for people who may have had a hip operation for example and need care before they return home. People can come and stay for a month or even longer. They can also come for just a day. We understand how stressful life can be for carers so we also serve to give them a break.” The mayor of Rotherham councillor Maggi Clark officially opened the facility last week.

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