Above: take a one minute You Tube tour of the show flat

Wirral residents are being invited to take a first look inside a brand-new extra care housing development, which is set to provide much needed safe and secure homes for dozens of local people.

In a few weeks time, housing association Alpha Living is opening Poppyfields, its first extra care development, in Saughall Massie, and its show flat is now open for COVID secure visits or is available to view via video link at the website.

The 78 extra care apartments will be available for those older people who are looking for independent living but with care and support on site as and when needed.

Care and support services will be available 24 hours a day 365 days a year at the development and the support will be offered by a consistent team of carers adhering to strict COVID protocols to ensure residents are kept safe.

To be eligible for an apartment you or your loved ones must be over the age of 55 and live in the Wirral or have a local connection. All residents must demonstrate a clear need for the housing, care and support services provided.

Care could include; personal care, assistance with medication, preparing meals, some cleaning and laundry and general advice and support on keeping healthy.

Simon Garner, Lead Commissioner for All Age Independence at Wirral Council said: "Eligible residents will have a full assessment of their health and social care needs carried out by a qualified social worker. Emergency care will also be available 24/7 to assist all residents when required.

"Residents who are eligible for housing benefit may be able to use this towards their rent payments."

Poppyfields provides a safe and secure environment with controlled access to the apartments from the central hub and an emergency call system in each apartment.

Alpha living has an excellent record of COVID security at its other independent living schemes around the North West.

COVID protocols include enhanced cleaning of all communal touch points, shopping and errands carried out for residents so that they don't put themselves at risk and a consistent group of staff caring for residents adhering to strict rules to ensure maximum safety.

Andy Keelan, the Development Manager who will be based at the scheme said: "Anyone wanting to look at the apartments can view the show apartment from the comfort of their own home via video link or can visit the show apartment by appointment only. All visits to the show apartment will be COVID secure, with one family at a time, social distance maintained, mandatory wearing of masks and shoe coverings and cleaning between visits.

"This innovative development will provide families of residents with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and secure and have access to all the help and care they may need now or in the future."

Facilities including a restaurant providing a freshly cooked two-course meal every day, hair and beauty salon, residents' lounge, shared activities space and courtyard garden. This means residents can combat loneliness by being part of a close community of people while retaining independence in their own apartment.

To book a visit or access the video and further information call Andy Keelan on 0151 343 5877 or mobile 07436096016; or click or tap here.