A national charity has slammed the decision to cut support for sheltered housing in the city.
Age Scotland described the end of Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership’s annual housing support grant as “very worrying” after one of the city’s major housing associations blamed its decision to withdraw services on a lack of funding.
Home Scotland-run Blackness Court, Sinderins Court, Pennycook Court and Lime Court will no longer be classed as sheltered housing, meaning services such as in-house wardens will be removed.
Residents of the housing complexes previously spoke of their fear and anxiety over the changes with many stating they had moved into the units primarily because of the care services that sheltered housing offers.
Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan has now called for the partnership to rethink the move and “put older residents’ interests first”.
He said: “This is a very worrying situation that must be extremely stressful for residents and their families.
“Many frail older people will have chosen sheltered accommodation that fits their needs and now face the difficult decision whether or not to move.
“This may result in them losing their independence or being driven into care homes before otherwise necessary.
“Wardens fulfil an extremely valuable function besides being on call in case of emergency.
“They get to know residents and can be an early warning system and spot any changes in behaviour.
“There is a place for community alarm services, but they are no substitute for that human contact and friendly face.
“Cutting this vital service might save money in the short term, but it could result in additional pressure on local hospitals and health and social care services.
“We would urge Dundee Health and Social Partnership to put older residents’ interests first and consider what is best for their safety and peace of mind.”
Sandra Brydon, head of service delivery at Home Scotland, said the services could no longer be provided due to the end of the grant.
She said: “Nationally, funding for support services is now based on individual needs and the traditional model of sheltered housing developed in the late 1960’s no longer fits with the new funding streams.
“We are working with Dundee City Council to assess all customers who may require support services and/or a dispersed community alarm service from the council.
“We are providing ongoing support to all customers through this period of change with an additional housing manager who will ensure that customers, who want to, can access individualised support services.
“We continue to make significant investment in these properties to ensure they provide modern and accessible services for current and future customers.”
A Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said: “There are a number of contributing factors which have made it necessary to review the support provided by housing associations in sheltered housing in Dundee.
“The changes will give people who require social care and support much more choice and control over how their care and support needs are met.
“Those who live in sheltered housing will have access to housing support, in a variety of ways.
“This includes the Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) service which enables community-based support, and the Dial Op helpline which provides a morning call to individuals who may require a safety or security check.”
