Care for the elderly set for revamp

Wrexham council has backed the pilot

A pilot scheme for sheltered accommodation for the elderly in Wrexham has been given the go ahead.

The 'Wrexham Sheltered Housing with Support' project was set up after a review of local services highlighted need for improvement.

The NHS Trust has been involved in talks

One of the key objectives was to upgrade the range and choice of options available to older people, to enable them to live as independently as possible in the community.

A budget of £70,000 has been earmarked for the scheme to run in 2002/2003.

Wrexham council social services bosses have reassured local people that the pilot is not designed to replace residential care.

Live Independently

They claim it will be used to provide an additional choice for elderly people.

The scheme will include care for those who want to live independently at home or those who require 24 hour support.

It has been anticipated that up to 15 people within the pilot will receive the 'Sheltered Housing with Support' service.

Pilot Scheme

A multi-agency task group has been formed to discuss the project with representation from social services, Wrexham local health group and the North East Wales NHS Trust.

There are currently 23 sheltered housing schemes throughout the county.

Project bosses have chosen Springfield in Rhosddu to base the first pilot.

However, £40,000 is needed to bring the Springfield Unit up to standard.

Now the pilot scheme has been approved, staff will be recruited and trained.