First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has visited a “pioneering” sheltered housing complex in Forres – which aims to free up hospital beds by offering up flats specially adapted for the NHS.
Yesterday marked the official opening of Varis Court – which was built at a cost of £5.7million, £1.9million granted by the Scottish Government.
Ms Sturgeon described the venture as “fantastic” after learning about the work that has gone into ensuring older people are able to remain in the community for longer.
She said: “One of the most important ways to ensure the quality of life of older people is to increase access to safe, affordable homes that enable independent living.
“I was delighted to visit Varis Court and meet staff and residents to see firsthand how Scottish Government investment is helping older people to remain living in their own homes, safe and secure, for as long as possible.”
Construction on the building reached completion late last year, and some residents have since been gradually making themselves at home.
Of the 33 flats there, five have been specially modified and leased to the NHS to act as a “halfway house” between hospital and home.
Stirling University building experts are working with the housing provider, Hanover Scotland, to ensure that its sheltered housing complexes are suited to the needs of people with dementia.
The Forres building has a “sensory room” with light features and a planting area, which are scientifically proven to create a stimulating space for such residents to socialise.
Hanover chairman Mike Martin said the model is one which he would like to see rolled out across Scotland.
He said: “The thing that is unique about this, and which I think got the attention of the First Minister, is that some rooms have been designed specifically for people with dementia.”
The First Minister sidestepped any questions about the SNP’s recent poor performance at the polls in the north-east during yesterday’s visit.
She declined to discuss Conservative gains in the region or whether she regretted stating her “absolute confidence” in Angus Robertson and Alex Salmond retaining their Westminster seats.
Both stalwarts were ousted by Tory opponents.