18

Sep

Supporting Scottish Housing Day

Castlehill knows that having a secure ‘home for life’ is important to those accessing the services of the Association. We are aware the Scotland has a population which is aging faster than the rest of the UK.

Research shows that it is important to have suitable housing that matches the needs of those who call it home. This includes thoughtful adaptations, a manageable size, close enough to amenities, family members and support networks. It is also useful if there are staff around who could advise on who to contact and where to access help and external services.

People need to carefully consider their future housing needs. Their current home could be too large or have too many stairs, but have they considered minor changes that could let them stay in their own home for longer? If they live within the City, Aberdeen Care & Repair can help. Castlehill’s Care & Repair service works with Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership and provides benefit checks, home safety assessments, minor repairs and useful adaptations.

The Association has made significant changes to the types of housing we provide. Until 2020 Castlehill had twenty-one sheltered and very sheltered schemes across the northeast, but we recognised that the needs of those renting our homes had changed significantly. People are living healthier and longer and many do not need the level of support we previously offered so we adapted our service to respond to these changes.

We developed our Independent Living model which offers with enhanced housing management service. Enhanced Housing management offers onsite staff who provide assistance to ensure properties are maintained safely to a good standard and can suggest external services which may be able to offer additional support. Every effort was made to carefully include the needs of current and future tenants while developing this – we understand that as people grow older simple things can make huge differences. Minor adaptations make our homes more accessible; making use of new technology can improve people’s lives. We are proud that CaRTO championed the use of tablets in several of our schemes and our Care & Repair department are available to conduct benefit checks and can give advice about minor adaptations.

Castlehill’s Chief Executive, David Lappin commented:

“We are pleased that his years Housing Day has a focus on Older People as this has always been central to what Castlehill does. We recognise that older people’s expectations change over time and it is important that we reflect this in the services we provide be it Care & Repair or our new Independent Living properties that focus on the needs of every individual who lives there”

For information on Castlehill’s Independent Living schemes, please have a look at our website or contact us on 01224 625822.

All available properties are advertised via These Homes.