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Derwentside’s largest social housing provider has today unveiled plans to radically improve its accommodation for older tenants.
Derwentside Homes will invest almost £5 million in eight Independent Living for the Over 55s schemes, to bring them up to improved, modern standards that will benefit hundreds of tenants and their families.
The move comes at a critical time for the provision of sheltered accommodation in the North East. Currently, more than 40 per cent of Derwentside Homes’ tenants are aged 50 or over and this rate is set to increase. Research carried out by Derwentside Homes has also shown that the needs of older tenants have changed, with small bedsits proving unpopular and unsuitable for modern lifestyles.
In response, Derwentside Homes plans to remodel two schemes – Haven House in Leadgate and Magdalene Court in Medomsley – and develop larger flats, with their own facilities.
This move will see more than £2.2 million invested in both schemes and result in a drastic reduction of empty, unpopular bedsits. Haven House will also benefit from environmental improvements, including secure fencing, landscaping.
As well as some schemes being improved with new kitchens, bathrooms and double glazing all schemes will benefit from:
· Secure entry facilities with CCTV links to tenants’ rooms
· High tech warden call systems
· Improved office space for wardens
· Modern furniture and fittings
This work will result in the creation of more than 230 high quality flats across the district.
Samantha Gibson, Director of Housing at Derwentside Homes, said: “When our sheltered housing was originally built, older people were happy to live in small bedsit accommodation with shared facilities.
“However, older people’s housing needs have changed with their lifestyles: the overwhelming majority need as much space now as they did in their younger years, and they value their independence. Their housing needs to reflect this.
“These proposals will ensure that we can deliver housing that meets the needs of older people for the long term.”
Tenants and local councillors have this week been told of the news following the development of proposals that were agreed by Derwentside Homes’ board of management.
Chairman of Derwentside Homes Carl Christer said: “Before we even came into existence two years ago, specific promises were made to our older tenants – which they voted on in a ballot to set up Derwentside Homes.
“It is important to me that we keep these promises. These plans show our tenants that we are not just keeping our promises, but surpassing them wherever we can.
“I am proud that we have today struck a real blow for independence and quality housing for older people in Derwentside.” |
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Posted by Kim for Derwentside Homes |
Further reading:  http://www.derwentsidehomes.co.uk/news/14-03-2008/sheltered-housing-in-... |
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