A report evaluating the impact of new sheltered housing arrangements in Aberdeenshire is to be discussed at Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee next week.

The council says about 1,500 people who require housing support live in Aberdeenshire Council’s 63 sheltered housing complexes.

Support in the region now includes mobile teams of sheltered housing staff.

The council has also implemented a cleaning service as well as equal access to services across Aberdeenshire.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee Councillor Karen Clark said: "Having spoken to a number of sheltered housing tenants, one of the issues they highlight are feelings of isolation and that is why project officers will help tenants identify how they can build wider community networks and develop social activities.

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"Working with partners in local communities as well as involving the voluntary sector is key to improving quality of life in our sheltered housing accommodation.

"We have also set up a sheltered housing tenants forum to provide a focus for tenants to gather views and ideas from everyone and to improve communication across the board."

Vice chair Alisan Norrie added: "Sheltered housing officers do a great job and are there to support tenants to live as independently as possible rather than provide care services. Tenants also have access to a range of extra support from other health and care professionals if they need it.

"Every effort has been made to engage with tenants through the changes. As the sheltered housing population ages we will continue to adapt the services to keep pace with the needs of our tenants."

Tenants and staff have been surveyed on the impact of changes to the sheltered housing service in September 2012.

Councillors are to be presented with an evaluation of the impact of the changes, which will include tenants’ perceptions and an update on current projects to improve social activities.

(IT)