Praise for high quality sheltered housing
April 27, 2009 1:00 PM
The Care Commission has praised East Lothian Council for its high quality sheltered housing services during its annual inspection.
The Care Commission carried out an inspection of the Council's sheltered housing service in January 2009. The inspection report concluded that the quality of housing support provided by the Council to sheltered housing tenants was 'very good', and praised the 'good' quality of staffing and of management and leadership.
East Lothian Council has four purpose-built sheltered housing complexes - Well Wynd, Tranent; Winton/ Osborne Court, Cockenzie; Brunton Court and Mansfield Court in Musselburgh. Over 130 residents aged 60 or over enjoy the benefits of an independent lifestyle surrounded by peers and with the additional peace of mind of a sheltered housing officer's presence.
In conducting its inspection, the Care Commission visited the Council's sheltered accommodation. The views of sheltered housing clients are vital, so questionnaires were issued to residents and interviews were held with a selection of tenants and their families. The inspectors also spoke with staff, reviewed policies and attended meetings and residents' events.
The report emphasised the number of opportunities for sheltered housing residents to assess and improve the quality of support, both individually and through the successful Tenants and Residents Groups that operate in each complex, and the service's willingness to take feedback on board.
It also noted the work carried out each year to review each individual's housing support plan to make sure that it was up-to-date and an accurate reflection of their needs. Inspectors commented on the positive use of telecare technology, such as personal alarms and flood detectors, to help individuals live safely and independently in their own homes.
The inspection report suggests a number of recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the information available for potential sheltered housing customers and for existing residents with deteriorating health. The Council is producing a new brochure, in conjunction with sheltered housing tenants and staff, which will address these issues.
Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services Councillor Stuart Currie said:
"I'm pleased the report acknowledges the high quality service that we provide to our sheltered housing tenants."
"The Care Commission inspection has been a useful process as it provides us with an opportunity to review our service and gain useful feedback, not only from the inspectors but also from our residents. We will use the report's recommendations to make improvements that will benefit residents now and in the future."
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