New Homes to Transform Lives of Long Term Hospital Residents

People with learning disabilities who have spent years in hospital are set to enjoy new lives in the community thanks to Glasgow's Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP).

Two large vacant bungalows in Kirkintilloch will be bought by GCHSCP and refurbished to a high standard - enabling eight people to move out of hospitals and enjoy greater independence in the community.

The plan will offer enhanced community living for adults with learning disabilities who will have their own en-suite bedrooms as well as communal kitchens, living, dining and garden spaces.

Families and carers of prospective residents will be involved in planning the interior design of the two neighbouring detached properties which will be refurbished using finance from the Scottish Government's Community Living Change Fund. Relevant support will be provided to the residents by a commissioned service provider following a tendering process.

Glasgow's HSCP always aims to provide people with the chance to enjoy independent living in a community setting whenever possible and, with this in mind, GCHSCP is in negotiations to buy a further property to provide similar accommodation for another four people who are currently in hospital.

The purchase of the bungalows (formerly owned by the NHS) replaces HSCP plans to build a small specialist care home for 15 people with learning disabilities. These proposals were dropped after relatives of prospective residents said they felt a care home would not offer their loved ones enough independence.

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow's Convener for Health and Social Care, said: "The HSCP listened closely to feedback from families and carers and changed its plans accordingly. It will continue to involve the service users and their families in this exciting new development as it progresses.

"I believe this plan will truly transform the lives of people with learning disabilities for the better, including people who have been in hospital long term despite being able to do everyday tasks like cooking for themselves. It will offer them greater privacy and personal freedom, as well an opportunity to live in a homely environment with relevant support and to become part of the community rather than living in an institution.

"Refurbishing the bungalows, which have been vacant for a long time, will enhance the neighbourhood and people currently accommodated outwith Greater Glasgow will also be able to move back closer to relatives and carers.

"Everything possible will be done to make the transition to their new homes as smooth as possible and I can't wait to see the residents settled in when the building work is completed. It will be a very poignant occasion!"

The proposal to purchase the bungalows was approved at a recent meeting of Glasgow City Integration Joint Board.