Health officials have announced that they will not be closing any care facilities or “very sheltered housing” locations in Aberdeenshire this year, bringing relief to anxious residents after months of uncertainty.
Earlier this year, the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) revealed significant plans aimed at saving approximately £20 million.
Numerous services faced potential cuts as management rushed to implement savings. This financial initiative raised fears that very sheltered housing complexes and care homes in the north-east might face closure in the coming months.
The local council operates seven “in-house” care homes located in Aboyne, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead, Portsoy, and Stonehaven.
Additionally, the region is home to six very sheltered housing units situated in Banchory, Banff, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Mintlaw, and Turriff.
‘Very Sheltered Housing’ is another term for ‘Extra Care’ Sheltered Housing, which usually provide extra facilities for residents, such as meals provided, 24/7 staff and additional support needs.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross and Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett have both commented on the AHSCP recommendation.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: “This recommendation will come as a relief to care home and very sheltered housing residents, who, understandably, have been worried about the prospect of being moved out of these facilities.
“I am glad Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership are proposing to take these detrimental plans off the table and I will continue to urge them to do the same for sheltered housing complexes.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett said: “The recommendation not to proceed with these closures is welcome, and the same now needs to be done with sheltered housing complexes.
In Case You Missed it:
“It’s vital all sheltered housing across Aberdeenshire is safeguarded against such moves.
“I urge members of the Integration Joint Board to approve this recommendation for care homes and very sheltered housing to protect these facilities, while coming up with measures to alleviate other potential closures.”
