St. Martin's House Extra Care Scheme

St Martin’s House is a new Extra Care development in the heart of Gillingham, north Dorset. It offers 55 one and two-bedroom apartments, at affordable rent, for people who need some additional support to live independently in their own home.

The building has been designed to be easy to live in and get around in. The apartments are spacious, with large doorways for ease of access. There are two mobility scooter stores with level access to the pavement for a short trip into the town.

The communal rooms, including a lounge and dining room, are light, airy and comfortable spaces in which to relax, eat, and meet with friends and family. The communal areas include handrails and the shared outdoor spaces have paths that allow you to access planted gardens, while a nature conservation area provides a space for both residents and the community to enjoy.

What is Extra Care?

Extra Care housing is different to residential care and sheltered housing. It helps you to live independently in your own home, with tenancy rights, and with care and support available day and night. Care at St Martin’s House is provided by Care Dorset, a business created by the council to provide adult social care.

Who can live at St Martin’s House?

The apartments at St Martin’s House are being offered to people in Dorset who need some extra care and support to live independently in their own home. Most of the apartments will be offered to people aged over 55, while a small number will be available to people aged under 55 who need access to care and support.

What you can expect at St Martin's House

You will have an apartment to yourself, with a key to your own front door. Visitors are very welcome. Each apartment has its own kitchen, fitted bathroom, bedroom and living room.

There is a wall-mounted tablet device in each apartment, and an emergency call system. There are regular ‘I’m OK’ check-ins for you to respond to in private, making sure all is well.

Help is on hand managing bills and accessing the community.

There will always be a minimum of two Care Dorset colleagues on site in St Martin’s House at any one time. Care Dorset staff consist of the manager, two team leaders, a team of support workers and two people providing background support.

The focus of Extra Care is to grant you maximum independence. The amount, and extent, of one-to-one service you will get at St Martin’s House will be something you’ve agreed as part of your care package.

In addition to any set hours of care, we can accommodate unscheduled support. For example, an unexpected medical issue which requires someone to be by your side at short notice.

You can get help with managing your medicines, continence needs and personal care. We’re on hand if you need support getting specialist equipment or managing appointments. We can also help to make sure you’re eating well and are supported emotionally.

St Martin’s House is located close to the centre of Gillingham, with its wide range of shops, facilities and services. This will help you to feel an active part of the lively and welcoming local community, while enjoying the comfort and security of your own home.

To find out more or to enquire about a home at St Martin’s House, contact Dorset Council’s adult social care team on:

Telephone: 01305 221016
Email: adultaccess@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk