An ambitious £2.5 million development that will double the size of a Flintshire dementia care home and create up to 24 new jobs has been given the go-ahead.
Planning officials at Flintshire Council have approved an application by the family-run Pen y Bryn Care Home, on Fron Deg in Bagillt, to increase its capacity from 30 beds to around 60.
The two-phased development is set to be completed over the next five years and will provide improved facilities and support for Flintshire residents with dementia and their families, as well as boosting the local economy.
A care home since 2007, Pen y Bryn specialises in residential dementia care for the over 65s, and also provides short-term respite and day care services.
Director Matt Bochenski, who runs the care home with his parents, Pam and Kevin, said the expansion will enable Pen y Bryn to continue to provide its high quality, individual-centred residential care for even more families in the Bagillt and surrounding areas.
“We are a family-run business and supporting the Bagillt community is at the heart of everything we do,” Matt explained. “With the cases of dementia increasing nationally year on year, we want to continue to meet the local demand for quality dementia care.
“The more beds there are, then more people will be able stay within their own communities. The expansion plans now mean we will be able to offer care and respite for the people who need it the most and help to keep local families together.”
The plans will see a new two-storey extension added to the former 19 Century farmhouse.
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Currently employing 27 staff, the development will also create an additional 20-24 care jobs as well as secure long-term business for Pen y Bryn’s local suppliers.
“Keeping it local is really important to the team at Pen y Bryn, and this also includes our suppliers as all our vegetables, milk and meat are sourced from producers within the surrounding area. We want to be able to contribute to both the Bagillt community and its economy – and this will continue as we expand,” Matt added.
The growth plans for Pen y Bryn have also been welcomed by social care industry champions, Care Forum Wales, who represent over 450 care homes across Wales.
At a time when care homes across Wales were closing, Care Forum Wales’ Chair Mario Kreft, MBE, said it was good to see Pen y Bryn bucking the trend.
“Demand for dementia services is only going to increase, putting ever more pressure on families to find suitable care for their loved ones, which often means moving them out of their own community.
“I commend Matt and the team at Pen y Bryn for their commitment to meeting the needs of local families and increasing their capacity to provide much needed residential care closer to home.”
Matt joined the family business as a Director in 2016 and is now preparing to take over the care home from his parents, who are retiring from the day-to-day management.
In addition to increasing the number of care beds, the development will also include a new indoor courtyard where residents can meet and socialise. They will also be enlarging the current living spaces by 50 per cent.