A sheltered housing complex in Ellon is in line for a £1.2million upgrade.
Modley House is to be converted into a very sheltered housing complex, meaning residents will have more access to round-the-clock care and support.
The residents’ flats and the communal area will be revamped, new kitchens will be fitted in the individual flats, and the communal lounge and kitchen will be extended.
The sprinkler and fire alarm systems will also be upgraded, and the lift will be replaced.
This week, members of Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee will be asked to approve the £1.17million cost of the project.
In a report, director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer explains the changes would increase the provision of very sheltered housing in Aberdeenshire.
He says: “The increased provision of very sheltered housing aims to assist in shifting the balance of care, by providing independent living solutions with 24-hour care and support to meet individual needs.”
Existing residents will not be affected by the change, as it means if their health deteriorates and they need more support, they will not have to move elsewhere as they currently do.
However, new residents will already be in need of the levels of support very sheltered housing offers.
Mr Archer adds the work would increase the supply and choice of residential accommodation for older people or those in need of care, but acknowledged that by creating more very sheltered housing facilities, there would be a “reduced supply” of sheltered housing in the short-term.
He says: “The housing service will continue to work with housing partners across all sectors to provide a range of suitable older people’s accommodation, and work closely with social work to ensure people’s care and support needs are addressed.”
The proposed changes also mean that the council will need to employ a team of care and support staff at Modley House from May, at an estimated cost of £750,000 for a full year.
When councillors consider the proposals on Thursday, they will hear that a £53,000 grant towards the conversion has been secured by the NHS Change Fund.