Housing support service for older people to continue

Bridgend County Borough Council is continuing to work in partnership with Hafod to deliver housing-related support to those aged 55 and over.

The local authority has awarded a new three-year contract to the housing association to help support a growing number of vulnerable people aged 55 and over, by developing innovative responses to meet the increased demand and to help people maintain their independence both in the community and in Extra Care schemes.

The service will also provide a homeless prevention approach which offers support for up to 12 weeks, with the flexibility to extend if needed.

Support delivered to those in need will predominantly be on a drop-in basis in community hubs, sheltered accommodation or the Extra Care schemes. The service will look to support between 120-180 people at any one time.

Extra Care facilities in Bridgend County Borough enable residents to live within their own self-contained flats, fitted with all the equipment they need to remain safe and independent, while also having on site access to care as needed.

Acting as an integral base for support provision, facilities in Kenfig Hill, Tondu and Maesteg offer a range of one and two-bedroom properties to people aged 50 and over as well as 24-hour residential care suites.

They are intended to be a step up from care within the community and a step down from residential care.

Ageing is a process that can also include worsening health, greater dependency and bereavement. In order to accommodate these changes and still enjoy a good quality of life, older people need housing and support that is adaptable, and that takes account of both their physical and emotional needs.

This service will continue to provide support throughout Bridgend County Borough and aims to support people aged 55 and over to remain living independently for as long as possible.

With a range of drop-in sessions taking place within sheltered schemes, within the community and within people’s homes, the support is provided to anyone, regardless of where they live or who owns their home.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations

The service is being funded by the local authority’s Housing Support Grant.