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Local care centre creates chic-k new look

5 February 2009

 

A Leeds care home –the Bupa Copper Hill Residential and Nursing Home - has just completed a £399,800 refurbishment including the addition of some surprising new residents – chickens and rabbits.

The chickens and rabbits have also been joined by a large number of tropical fish in tanks scattered throughout the 180-bed home and plans are afoot to create an aviary in the grounds this summer. Explains Verity Taylor, home manager: “Many older people miss having some one, or something to take care of - by introducing fish, rabbits and chickens, some of our residents have taken on a whole new lease of life caring for them.”

Residents have been hands on throughout the refurbishment and not just with the pets. Copper Hill’s refurbishment, with new reception and office areas, redecoration, furniture, carpets, curtains and flooring, also involved the residents – many chose the paint colours and curtains for their rooms. However, the most popular part of the refurbishment was the upgrade of the entertainment and leisure facilities, including the introduction of a new bar area, pool table, flat-screen televisions and even a new-look hairdressing salon.

Verity Taylor added: “We have always had rooms for socialising, but we took the opportunity with the refurbishment to create more atmospheric areas. The flat-screen televisions have been such a hit, that we are now getting a Wii gaming system by special request of the residents – they are loving the new technology!

“Overall we are all delighted with the work that has been done, which has really created a more homely feel – especially in the en-suite bathrooms which previously had quite a clinical look.”

One last innovation has been the introduction of a domestic kitchen area for residents who miss having chores. Peeling vegetables, making pastry and folding linens are just a few examples of residents helping out in the running of their home.

The Bupa Copper Hill Residential and Nursing Home is located at Church Street, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire. The home comprises of six units – three nursing units, one nursing dementia unit, one residential dementia unit and one residential unit.

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