New supported living flats in Lanarkshire

New supported living flats in Cambuslang have been built to improve the quality of life for residents with learning disabilities.

The £2.2 million Cherry Tree Court apartment complex is for former long-stay hospital patients and marks the end of 15 years of work by Lanarkshire Council’s social work department in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire.

The aim has been to provide residents with an increased quality of life by moving them from long-stay learning disability hospital beds into new accommodation designed to suit their needs.

Mairi Brackenridge, the head of the council’s Adult and Justice Services, said in a statement: “Opportunities and choice are the key elements for the new residents of this modern and innovative model of care and it is hoped that each and every one of them will enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in their new home and within the wider community of Cambuslang.

“While the key point of the opening of Cherry Tree Court is to look towards a brighter future for the residents it is also an opportunity to reflect on the hard work and dedication shown over the last 15 years to allow so many individuals to leave long term hospital care and enjoy a fuller life.”

Th flats will provide accommodation for the last 12 patients at the Kirklands Hospital in Bothwell.

The Arklet Housing Association worked with the partnership to build the homes to the required specifications including an integral sprinkler system and full wheelchair access.

The residents are able to choose their own furniture and personal items for their flats and have private patios and gardens to make the complex a more enjoyable place to live.

The personal care services needed by the residents will be provided by the Richmond Fellowship Scotland.

Austen Smyth, the chief executive of the Richmond Fellowship Scotland, said: “This is the start of a new era for all the residents who are moving into their own homes in their own community.

“The ethos is probably one of the most important things in this type of work – it is about seeing the individual as a person in their own right with their own hopes, ambitions, likes and dislikes. We want to see people have fun and when working with people we want to ask – what can we do to help you?

“Although this complex is registered with the care commission we do not think of it as a care home – this is not about 12 people living together this is about 12 people in their own flats, living in their own homes and our staff will respect that, work with that in mind and promote that idea with the residents.”