Council care review leaves Turriff residents fearing for future

Elderly residents at a north-east care home fear they could be left housebound amid claims Aberdeenshire Council plans to change wardens’ shifts.

Tenants of the Sim Gardens sheltered housing complex at Turriff say their on-site warden is facing the axe and, under planned new arrangements, would visit only at certain times during the day.

The local authority last night insisted no final decision had been taken and that a review of sheltered housing provision across the region was ongoing.

Sophia Taylor, 77, has stayed at Sim Gardens, in Turriff’s Manse Road, for seven years. She says that residents of the 32-flat building are dependent on the warden scheme.

“The warden really is a lifeline,” said Mrs Taylor.

“She does so much for us whether it’s sort out our laundry or organise entertainment, we would be housebound without her.

“If someone had a fall or there was a fire alarm in the middle of the night, what would we do then?

“Two or three of the residents are over 90 and the warden is particularly essential for them.”

She added: “If there was no warden we would be finished – we may as well go back to our houses.”

Mrs Taylor said she and her neighbours now intended to bring their concerns to the attention of their local MP.

A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We are reviewing our sheltered housing service to ensure future provision will continue to meet the needs of tenants and provide best value. We are considering all of the options available to the council and are doing so in full consultation with our tenants, and at present no decisions have been made about any changes to the current service arrangements.

“Recommendations arising from the review, including the views of tenants, will be presented in a report to councillors early in the new year.”

The Sim Gardens residents’ fears follow similar con- cerns raised by a disabled woman who stays at a sheltered housing complex at Inverurie.

Sheila Legg, 55, who has multiple sclerosis, claimed she would be left to “wait in distress” in an emergency due to the proposed changes in the warden programme.

Mrs Legg moved into Urybank at Inverurie five years ago because it provided 24-hour care.