A grant from Halton Borough Council’s Area Forum budget has helped Simonsfield Care Home install the signs around the building.
Staff are finding the residents can now recall which number and street name they live on, helping them to find their way around.
The names were suggested by staff and residents, with Ivy Street named after Ivy Shaw, a previous resident who was loved by all at the home.
Debbie Smith, home manager at Simonsfield Care Home, on Boston Avenue, said:
“The street signs have made a huge difference for our residents, as they can recall the names of where they live within the home. The residents are calling their rooms by the street names they now live on, so 25 Cherryblossom Road, for example. They can also recall our hair salon is on Woodlands Lane and the tea room on Ivy Street.”
She added: 
“We’d like to thank the Halton Borough Council Community Development Team, who supported us with the grant application and sourcing the street signs.”
On behalf of the Halton Brook ward Councillors, Cllr Carol Plumpton-Walsh said:
“Through Local Area Forum funding, Halton Brook ward were able to fund a project at Simonsfield Care Home for residents to feel like their homes have an identity with the look and design of a local street. Street names were chosen by the care home staff that reflected well known Runcorn street names to give some authenticity and the home had decorated the walls with brick effect and indoor hanging baskets. Our Area Forum budget allowed the project to be completed with authentic street signs. It’s important for all residents in the ward to feel part of the community of Halton Brook and this project supported the connection between residential care and the wider community.”
Photo captions: Simonsfield Care Home residents (from left) Dorothy Duckers and Emma Adams showing the new street signs that are helping residents with dementia navigate the home.
