A retirement home has been given a makeover complete with some striking artwork.

Ekta Ghar, a retirement scheme for Asian elders in The Grove, Gravesend, has been refurbished as part of housing association Moat’s drive to improve the quality of its homes.

The firm worked with interior designers Homesmith’s to freshen up communal spaces. There were practical changes, such as upgrading the heating system, but special attention was also given to the cultural needs of those living there.

The scheme is highly regarded in the Asian community as it is so close to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, which many residents visit daily.

A £5,000 donation made by a Gravesend resident was used to buy some pieces of Punjabi and Indian artwork. The remainder will be used for other improvements around the scheme.

The personalised touch moved residents and their families.

One person said: "Ekta Ghar is well recognized at Gurdwara Sahib and in the Sikh community and the residents are delighted with the cultural and historical artwork.

"The colour scheme and soft furnishings are amazing - the residents are touched by it.

"Since my parents have been living at Ekta Ghar, Moat has made big strides to keep their residents happy.”

Moat’s head of supported and retirement living Rajinder Manger said: “As part of our retirement strategy, we are investing in the quality of our communal areas and working with professional interior design companies to bring our schemes alive.

"We recognise that our communal lounges are a vital social space for our residents to meet, and look forward to when lockdown restrictions are lifted to see the positive impact this will make to residents’ wellbeing.”

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