Health Minister Edwin Poots and Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland have jointly opened Cedar Court sheltered housing development in Downpatrick.

Cedar Court caters for frail older people and older people with mild to moderate dementia, and has been built in partnership between South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, Trinity Housing Association and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Minister Poots said: "In Northern Ireland we have the fastest growing elderly population in the UK. Demographic changes have a very specific impact on demand for Health and Social Care services. As outlined in Transforming Your Care, our goal must be to ensure that older people are given every chance to live their lives to the full and as independently as possible.

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"I believe Cedar Court is an example of the type of facility we want to see more of – tailored to meet the needs of its residents, maintaining their independence, but with support in place should they need it."

Minister Poots added: "Cedar Court is testament to what can be achieved when organisations work in partnership to meet the needs of the local population."

Cedar Court has been designed to allow residents to live independently in their own apartments comprising a living room, kitchen, one or two bedrooms, and bathroom. It aims to promote a sense of well being and create maximum choice for those living in the scheme.

Minister McCausland said: "This is a magnificent scheme that has been designed with the needs of the residents clearly foremost in the decision making process. It is a good example of what can be achieved when two departments and other stakeholders work together to make independent living in the community a reality.

"Tenants at Cedar Court can now experience that independent living whilst at the same time benefitting from the reassurance of care and support from dedicated staff. Trinity Housing is to be congratulated for building this award winning development. I wish all the residents well in their new homes."

(CD/MH)