BARDAN Cottage, which operates two other elderly day care centres across the north, has opened a new home in Bessbrook in a former convalescent home for retired nuns and priests.
The investment, was supported by a £100,000 loan from Danske Bank, is creating eight jobs.
Liam Lavery and Peter Graham opened Bardan Cottage senior centre in Newcastle in March 2011, followed by the Kingsway day centre in Dunmurry in June 2015.
The Bessbrook building has been transformed into a fully equipped activity centre for the elderly with the aim of encouraging independence and wellbeing.
Bardan Cottage provides accessible activities consistent with each individual’s assessed needs in a stimulating setting. The new centre has been fitted out with vintage furnishing to help its guests connect with their past, including a 1950s style sweetshop and hair salon.
Liam Lavery, managing director of Bardan Cottage said: “Our aim has always been to promote independence and reablement in order to allow older members of our communities to live longer in their own homes.
“We hope the centre will be a place for the local community to create meaningful relationships under a model of person-centred care.
“Danske has supported the company throughout its journey, and we’re grateful for its continued support as we open our doors in Bessbrook.”
Conor McGivern, business manager at Danske Bank said: “Liam and Peter identified the need for a safe, supportive and stimulating environment for our older generations to receive quality care and have established a facility that can offer a cost-effective alternative to full-time residential or nursing care and reduce the strain on families.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue to support Bardan Cottage as it opens its third centre.”
