Pioneering extra-care project opens

The flagship Auden House development, off Cemetery Road, which provides 41 apartments for the over-55s, was officially opened yesterday by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Susan Galloway.

Extra-care facilities, which are designed to allow elderly residents to live independent lives while having access to professional on-site support, are seen as the best way of coping with the soaring elderly population in Britain and North Yorkshire – where the number of over-65s is predicted to rocket by 50 per cent and the number of over-85s by 65 per cent by 2020.

And experts have welcomed the new development, which adds to the 13 facilities already in place across the county.

Christine Storrs, chief executive of York Housing Association, said: “Auden House is the first of its kind in York, but is based on a model which has worked very successfully in other parts of the country.

“I’m sure it will prove to be a major benefit to the people of York and will provide the care and support required for each resident to lead an independent and fulfilling lifestyle.”