LIVERPOOL is to upgrade three sheltered housing complexes so they provide round the clock support to older people.
A report to the Mayor’s Cabinet is recommending investing £255,000 on an additional 260 units of Extra Care Housing (ECH) for older people.
It will bring to five the total number of schemes to five, and the plan is to have them spread across the city - two in the north, two in the centre and one in the south.
Residents will have their own tenancies and access to a range of communal facilities such as a restaurant, hairdresser and access to activities.
They will offer integrated housing, care and support packages with 24 hour assistance for people with a range of needs, offering more independence than being cared for in residential homes.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “People in our city are living longer which is great news, but it brings with it additional pressures on services because we have a growing older population who need our help and support.
Cuts
“We need to make sure we are in a position to respond to the challenges that this will bring and I want us to be able to offer good quality and accessible housing where people can live in safety and comfort but retain their independence.
“We are facing some extremely tough choices over the next few years due to cuts in funding from central government and it is vital we create a streamlined care system targeting our resources at the most vulnerable.”
Liverpool spends almost £62 million a year on care for older people, with the Extra Care budget making up £2.3 million of the total.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Roz Gladden added: “This is a long term commitment from the city to making sure that older people are at the heart of our thinking and planning around services and aren’t left isolated.
“We are already investing heavily in creating new health and social care hubs at Venmore, Sedgemoor and Granby to support people who have strokes, dementia and those needing support to get back to full fitness after illness. The Extra Care Housing schemes will enhance the value and effectiveness of the hubs.”
The report will be considered by the Mayor’s Cabinet on Friday 17 August.
