AN INNOVATIVE and award-winning new care home for older people in Midlothian has been officially opened by its oldest resident.

AN INNOVATIVE and award-winning new care home for older people in Midlothian has been officially opened by its oldest resident.

Elizabeth Turnbull, 99, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for Newbyres Village Care Home for Older People in Gorebridge, accompanied by Councillor Adam Montgomery, Provost of Midlothian.

Last year Newbyres won Midlothian Council the Service Provider of the Year (Over-65s) award in the inaugural Herald Society Awards for the way it has been designed to replicate the village life that most residents will have been used to when they were more independent.

Residential "streets" accommodate 60 rooms which are self-contained homes, including a front and back door. Meanwhile, the community area or "main street" incorporates a bistro, shop, hairdresser and lounge.

The design for the home has taken inspiration from Midlothian's village heritage and the streets lead from a central village hub area. This community space is designed to give the ambience of a street so residents can have a sense of being outdoors but still remain within a safe environment indoors.

Councillor Jack Aitchison, Midlothian's cabinet member for social work and health, said: "Midlothian Council wanted to ensure that this new home would be a state of the art response to the future care needs of older people in Midlothian. Therefore, throughout the process of developing Newbyres, the residents, relatives and staff were kept informed and their views sought on the design. It has been very rewarding that the completed home has been so positively received as a safe and desirable home for residents."

Provost Adam Montgomery said: "The design is an effective mix of Midlothian's heritage of village life, coupled with peoples' desire for a front and back door, brought together with the best professional practice to create a safe, secure and stimulating environment for older people."

At Newbyres, every resident has their own front door leading to a private room with en-suite facilities. Each door has its own letterbox and a panel chosen by the occupant. Alongside each door is a small alcove - a memory space - to allow each resident to put in something that jogs the memory to allow them to know they have arrived home. Other doors, such as domestic cupboards, are made to blend in with walls to prevent confusion with room doors. The bedrooms are generous in size and larger than National Care Standard.

Each room has a back door which leads to a safe secure garden area with a private patio. For peace of mind of relatives who may have concerns, the use of the doors are monitored and each resident has a Care Plan and Risk Assessment to ensure safe use.

Each street has its own communal facilities, including a dining area, kitchen and assisted toilet facilities and bathroom. Each street also has a double room for a couple to share if required, plus all the support facilities to allow staff to give the best of care. Provision is available for relatives who may require to stay overnight.

Extra aids have been put in to help residents find their way round the building. Internally, tactile art objects have been used at appropriate locations within the home to act as signposts, while outside, the landscaped grounds reflect different themes and styles to present a variety of areas to visit and enjoy. Gardens include the summerhouse garden, fountain garden, memory garden and Highland garden and incorporate features including raised beds, a potting shed and a greenhouse to encourage interest and participation.

The landscaping is an essential part of the design, as most people in Midlothian have enjoyed a garden most of their lives. The paths that link outdoor areas have been designed like a main road round a village, with street lighting.

The site is a cul-de-sac, allowing the development to be a secure environment, and is also within walking distance from other local amenities, such as the doctors' surgery, churches, pubs and library. The latest technology has been installed within the home to allow residents to summon help when necessary.

Midlothian Council's design brief for the home was realised and developed by the Miller Partnership and informed by the National Care Standards - Care Homes for Older People. The design also took into account opinions from experts working with older people such as the Dementia Centre, Stirling.

The Dementia Centre also advised on the development of 10 "Extra-Care" houses on the Newbyres site. These purpose-built houses provide accommodation designed for people with dementia. Tenants of these houses can access the facilities of the Care Home, for example they can have lunch, visit the hairdresser or join in with social activities.

• For an entry form for the Herald Society Awards 2009 email Alison.martin@ heraldandtimes.co.uk or write to: The Herald Society Awards, Alison Martin, Head of Events, The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB. Alternatively, call 0141 302 7410.

Forms can be downloaded from www.theherald.co.uk/societyawards09. The closing date for entries is September 22.