Loss of grant and wardens ‘very worrying’

THE Age Scotland charity has described the end of Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership’s annual housing support grant as “very worrying”, after one of the city’s major housing associations blamed its decision to withdraw services on a lack of funding.

Home Scotland-run Blackness Court, Sinderins Court, Pennycook Court and Lime Court will no longer be classed as sheltered housing, meaning services such as in-house wardens will be removed. Brian Sloan, chief executive of the Age Scotland charity, called for a partnership rethink, saying: “This is a very worrying situation that must be extremely stressful for residents and their families. Many older people will have chosen sheltered accommodation that fits their needs and now face the difficult decision whether or not to move.

“Wardens fulfil an extremely valuable function, besides being on call in case of emergency. Cutting this vital service might save money in the short-term, but it could result in additional pressure on hospitals and health and social care services.”

Sandra Brydon, of Home Scotland, said the services could no longer be provided due to the end of the grant. A Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said: “There are a number of contributing factors which have made it necessary to review the support provided.”