Simeon Care for the Elderly has submitted a planning application to develop a new care home in its existing grounds at Cairnlee Estate in the Bieldside area of Aberdeen.

The plan is the first stage of a planned redevelopment to create a new care home, day facilities and sheltered housing on the existing site.

The project will be dependent on the success of fundraising appeal due to be launched soon by Simeon, which is one of the seven Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire charities in the Aberdeen area.

The new care home, designed by Camphill Architects in Aberdeen, will have 22 bedrooms and will be built in the grounds of the existing care home.

Commenting on the plans, Jeannie Carlson, manager of Simeon Care for the Elderly, said: “The existing care home is based on buildings that were converted to suit their role as a home for the elderly. Unfortunately, they are no longer fit for purpose and do not meet the need of an increasing number of residents with high dependency.

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“The new care home has been purposed designed as a care home, providing the modern facilities we need, but retaining the essential Camphill community spirit. Our residents are encouraged to join in all aspects of the community life. This gives them a vital sense of belonging and a feeling of self-worth through their ability to contribute to the life of the home.

“The development of the new care home, which will be dependent on a successful fundraising appeal, also enables us to redevelop the existing buildings into a day centre and sheltered housing. Both of which are very important for our future.

“Simeon is the only Camphill community in the worldwide Camphill Movement that is dedicated to providing support and a home life for the elderly. That we should provide the model for others is appropriate, given Aberdeen’s role as the birthplace of Camphill.”

The new home will accommodate 22 elderly residents, compared to the 17 in the existing care home. The new building will have 18 en-suite bedrooms, divided into two households. A further four bed-sits on the first floor are intended for more independent residents. There will be an additional five bed-sits for resident volunteer co-workers or visiting guests.

Simeon Care for the Elderly was established in 1984. It works closely with the Camphill Medical Practice and other health professionals to provide comprehensive care. Simeon achieved “very good” or “excellent” grades in the most recent SCSWS (formerly Care Commission) inspections.

The first Camphill community, providing support for children with special needs, opened its doors at Camphill House in Milltimber, Aberdeen, in June 1940. Now, the Camphill Movement extends to more than 100 centres in 23 countries. In the Aberdeen area more than 700 people live and work with seven Camphill charities providing support for children, young people, adults and the elderly.

(GK)