Romford care home revamped as part of Major Works Investment Programme

Residents at an assisted Living Scheme in Romford are enjoying more comfortable homes and an inviting communal area, after a major transformation.

Peel Way, which is a scheme for residents with additional needs, had new windows and doors fitted, the communal areas redecorated and kitchen and bathroom upgrades, as part of L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme (MWIP).

The improvements were carried out by two MWIP partners – United Infrastructure and Kier Group.

Feedback from residents at Peel Way has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the difference the new windows have made to both the appearance and comfort of their homes. Residents have also reported improved warmth during the winter months.

The communal areas have also been transformed, creating brighter and more welcoming shared spaces.

To support these improvements, United Infrastructure funded new curtains and a blind, adding the finishing touches.

From the outset, L&Q, United Infrastructure and Kier Group worked together, planning the programme in a way that ensured residents had the best experience.

Window replacements were carried out before kitchen and bathroom installations started, protecting newly installed fixtures from damage, reducing unnecessary rework and limiting the need for contractors to revisit completed areas. Scheduling the works this way created a more efficient programme and meant there was less disruption to residents’ lives.

Recognising the unique needs of an assisted living environment, United Infrastructure’s dedicated Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs) worked closely with residents, carers and colleagues throughout the programme.

As well as keeping residents informed about the works, they organised a range of activities away from the scheme, including arts and crafts sessions, lunches out and bingo afternoons, providing opportunities for residents to socialise and enjoy time away from the disruption.

A resident, who has lived at Peel Way for 11 years, said:

“I liked going out and painting. Lunch at The Hub was nice. Tara, Paige and Marie kept me busy away from the works at home. My favourite day was bingo.

“The paint colour is nice and makes the room more homely.”

The additional support was also welcomed by colleagues working at the scheme.

Lorraine Lindsay, one of the carers at Peel Way, said:

“Having the RLOs was a help and made our lives easier. The residents had a lot of questions and we could ask them to ask the team when they came.”

To celebrate the successful completion of the works, L&Q, United Infrastructure and Kier Group hosted a tea party for residents and carers, supported by The TP Group.

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes, said

“Our Major Works Investment Programme is about far more than improving buildings. It’s also about investing in residents’ homes, their wellbeing and their quality of life.

“Carrying out works in this kind of environment needs careful planning, collaboration and sensitivity, and we’re proud of the way everyone worked together to ensure residents felt supported throughout the programme.

“It’s a great example of partnership in action.”

Tara Courtney, Customer Experience Manager for United Infrastructure, said:

“It was a pleasure working with the residents and carers at Peel Way throughout the project.  

“We wanted to do more than just deliver the physical improvements, so we spent time getting to know the residents.

“Seeing the positive difference the improvements have made to both the homes and the communal spaces has made the project incredibly rewarding for the whole team."

Lauren Jones, resident liaison officer at Kier Places, said:

"It was a pleasure working with the residents and staff at Peel Way and seeing firsthand how much these improvements meant to them.

Seeing residents happy with the finished result and celebrating together at the end of the project made all the hard work worthwhile."

John O’Donohoe, senior contracts manager at Kier Places, said:

"I am incredibly proud of the entire team for working together to deliver the Peel Way project safely, efficiently, and to such a high standard.

The positive feedback from residents and staff, along with the successful completion of the works, was a fantastic achievement for everyone involved."