£4.4million flagship dementia care scheme officially opens in Scunthorpe

Myos House, the first of its kind extra care scheme, has officially opened bringing much needed support for those living with a dementia diagnosis.

Located on Warwick Road, Scunthorpe, it is made up of 25 two-bedroom apartments and specially designed communal spaces for residents to socialise and relax.

The building complies with the ‘Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation’ (HAPPI) principles and has been created to allow those living with dementia to stay with their families for as long as possible. This will avoid the unsettling move to residential care.

Sharon Ross, a family member who has moved into the scheme said: “I think this a fantastic, lovely and peaceful place Ongo has created.

“It’s going to help families as those with dementia will be able to experience activities, mix with others and have people who they can relate to. The research Ongo has done is fantastic and they have made the scheme look beautiful.

“As a women whose mum has dementia, it is nice to know that there are people here that can be on hand at any time, so now when I’m working I don’t have to worry.”

Guests living at Myos House were invited to an official opening ceremony on Friday 3 September, hosted by Ongo.

A ribbon was cut by 9 year old Jessie Stocks who won the competition to name the scheme last year. This was followed by speeches thanking those involved in making it happen, along with tours and a limited celebration, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Steve Hepworth, Chief Executive at Ongo said: “It’s always great to celebrate a new development, but this one in particular is so special.

“It’s truly life changing and I am so humbled to hear from those living here, about how much it means to them.

“Dementia is a progressive disease, and often those living with a diagnosis end up having to move into residential care. With Myos House, it has been designed so that can be avoided for as long as possible, and families can stay together.

“Not only will it make a huge difference, the actual building is stunning too, with huge open spaces, beautiful landscaped gardens and modern apartments. It’s just a fantastic building and I am so proud it is now officially open.”

The number of those living with dementia in the UK is expected to increase to one million by 2025, with the cost expected to double in the next 25 years from £25billion to £55billion by 2040. These statistics show the significance of developments like Myos House.

More than £3million of funding has been provided by Ongo for this scheme, with an extra £1million from Homes England and approximately £300,000 from North Lincolnshire Council.

To find out more about Myos House, or any of Ongo’s upcoming developments, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk. To see the official ribbon cutting, head to @OngoUK on Twitter.