Celebrating Scottish Housing Day in Fife & Borders.

Scottish Housing Day was celebrated across various local authorities in Scotland, sparking discussions on the crucial role that housing plays in enhancing the quality of life for individuals, especially in their later years.

Fife Council stands out for its unwavering dedication to providing safe and supportive housing for the aging population. With innovative initiatives and visionary plans, the council aims to ensure that residents have access to the necessary resources for independent living. One such initiative is the introduction of the Independent Living Advice Hub in Kirkcaldy, set to open its doors on Friday, 20th September.

The Independent Living Advice Hub, located at 255-257 High Street, Kirkcaldy, will offer a range of supportive services aimed at promoting independent living. From advice on home adaptations to safety measures for individuals with physical, mental, and sensory impairments, the Hub aims to empower residents to lead autonomous lives with the necessary support at their fingertips.

This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between Fife Council’s Housing Services, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, and other key stakeholders. Together, they are simplifying access to essential services that enable individuals to live independently.

In addition to physical support, Fife Council is also harnessing the power of technology to enhance residents’ ability to manage their homes and maintain independence. By utilising environmental sensors to monitor home conditions, the council aims to address issues like dampness and condensation effectively. The Technology Enabled Care (TEC) programme is another pivotal focus area, with plans to expand its reach to support vulnerable individuals at home, potentially averting homelessness and reducing healthcare system dependency.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, the spokesperson for Housing and Building Services, emphasised the significance of Scottish Housing Day in highlighting the pivotal role housing plays in facilitating well-being, particularly in older age. Fife Council’s commitment to pioneering housing improvements and support services underscores its dedication to empowering residents to lead independent lives, with necessary assistance readily available.

The Housing Plus project by the council continues to innovate, with initiatives such as testing environmental sensors, piloting Amazon Alexa devices for well-being, and expanding Extra Care and Supported Housing options. The Technology Lending Library and Smart Life in Fife initiatives aim to enhance well-being and independence, especially for the elderly residing in Older Persons Housing.

Meanwhile, Scottish Borders Council is focusing on developing diverse strategies to meet the evolving housing needs of the elderly population. By delivering adaptations in existing homes to enhance accessibility, incorporating technology-enabled care solutions, and facilitating access to suitable homes near support networks and care services, the council aims to ensure residents have comfortable and supportive living environments.

With plans to develop additional care housing in Scottish Borders, affordable housing options catering to residents aged 55 and above are in the pipeline. These initiatives prioritise flexible and responsive services that enable older individuals to maintain independence and stay in their homes, even as their care needs change, considering individual needs, lifestyles, and preferences.

The Local Housing Strategy implemented by Scottish Borders Council is aimed at ensuring that more individuals are supported to live independently in their homes. To achieve this strategy, the council has set specific targets, including providing 20 wheelchair-accessible homes annually, collaborating with Registered Social Landlords to deliver 300 new build houses suitable for the elderly, and investing in telecare/telehealth for over 800 households over a decade.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, the executive member for Housing and Culture, expressed enthusiasm at the recognition of homes’ vital role in fulfilling individuals’ needs at every life stage. The council remains dedicated to working with partners to ensure equitable access to suitable housing for all, irrespective of age or ability.