20 SUPPORT New £18m care vision
Pilot scheme road tested in EK
A new care initiative road tested in East Kilbride looks set to be extended across South Lanarkshire in an £18 million plan.
The council’s capital investment forms part of a fresh vision for social care by creating a community-based care hub.
A similar model where service users are supported to return home has already been trialled in Meldrum and McKillop Gardens in East Kilbride.
The council at present has eight residential care homes. However, four of these homes are in need of investment due to their layout and condition and the first phase of the three-year scheme will see three care homes in the Hamilton area – Kirkton, McWhiter and Canderavon – close to be replaced by the new hub in Blantyre.
The vision will see the hub provide intermediate care for older people with a range on on-site specialists, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
And the hope is more people will be able to return to their own home – with properties adapted where required and support put in place.
While the council’s care facilities in East Kilbride are modern and up-to-date, the scheme will see the existing principles of the new care vision enhanced at both McKillop and Meldrum. A total of 50 social care modern apprenticeships will also be created.
South Lanarkshire Council leader John Ross said: “While our staff deliver the best possible care we know that four of our homes are nearing the end of their design life.
“This is an opportunity to develop a new model of care designed to improve the lives of