April 2011
In April 2011, young people with complex needs who are blind and partially sighted moved into new specialist bungalows which are designed to develop and encourage independence as well as cater for their individual needs.
The new state-of-the-art bungalows have been built as part of a major redevelopment, due for completion in 2012.
Each of the five bungalows includes:
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six individual bedrooms
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three bathrooms
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a lounge, dining room, kitchen
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gardens and outdoor play areas
All areas are accessible for individuals who are wheelchair users or who have restricted mobility.
Specialist facilities
Bedroom and adjoining bathroom
Each bedroom is designed for single occupancy, providing a safe environment where the children and young people can relax and be themselves.
Due to the complexity of individual and collective needs, a bathroom shared between two bedrooms provides specialist facilities for personal care and hygiene. Each bathroom is equipped with a rise and fall bath, changing bed and hoisting equipment.
Lounge
This is a communal space where young people are able to spend time socialising with each other, staff and family. They listen to music, enjoy TV and DVDs, gather together and entertain family and guests. This interaction develops social skills that help the young people to go out into the wider community and share life with others.
Quiet Lounge
Each bungalow also has a quiet lounge. This is a smaller more intimate space where young people can spend quality time with family or visitors. It is also a space for them to "chill out" when sharing with the group is too much.
Dining room
The dining room environment is suitable for young people to eat meals and socialise over the meal table.
Kitchen
The design of the kitchen includes rise and fall worktops, adapting the space to include people with limited mobility.
Gardens
Large villa gardens are the private play gardens of the individual bungalows that meet the needs of the individuals and group living in the home. They are a place for physical activity and where the young people can learn about gardening and growing plants.
Small villa gardens are secure, enclosed patio areas where the young people can eat outside in good weather. They also provide withdrawal space should a young person need to regain their composure.
Improving quality of life
Ginny Tyler, Principal Manager: Care and Wellbeing at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, said: "The young people attending RNIB Pears Centre moved into the new bungalows just three weeks ago and already we are seeing a positive impact on their behaviour and quality of life. They enjoy spending time in the gardens and have begun growing vegetables and using the paddling pool. The opportunity to explore and extend their environment in these new and beautifully designed homes is really exciting!"
Find out more
More information about our residential care is available from Living at RNIB Pears Centre. For more details about the redevelopment, go to Transforming RNIB Pears Centre.
RNIB has launched a fundraising appeal towards the redevelopment. To support the appeal visit Support RNIB Pears Centre.