Supporting People Plan - The need for Housing Support Services and the Existing Range of Service

Source: NLC/2001 Census/ 'Community Care Housing Needs Assessment' East Lothian Council/Pathways Research, 2001

This work includes draws on Scottish Executive sponsored research. There are of limitations with the approach (e.g. the need for housing support is not separately distinguished from property related solutions, such as aids and adaptations, or personal care services). However the assessment does provide a relative indicator of need for each client group. The assessment of housing support needs will improve as:

• The aggregation of individual assessments is prepared;
• Surveys and research studies are undertaken; and
• The views of service users, their carers and service providers are further incorporated into the planning process.

It should be noted that services specify a 'primary' client group. However some services cater for more than one client group. An individual can have an identified need for housing support as a result of several different issues. Some support providers have developed generic support services to address the needs of people with complex needs. For other people it is important to involve more than one support provider to address specific needs.

There are presently 2441 housing support places linked with accommodation. The vast majority are for sheltered and very sheltered housing for older people. There are shortfalls for some client groups and in particular areas. This is emphasised in the respective care group chapters. Key features of the provision of housing support services linked to accommodation are:

• Services for older people is mainly in the form of sheltered housing.
• Apart from services for older people, all other services tend to be concentrated in major centres of population and in North Lanarkshire and there is a lack of services covering smaller settlements and more remote areas.
• There is a lack of provision for older people with more complex needs who require specialised provision.

There are 6867 floating support services in total cross North Lanarkshire. The vast majority are home support services for older people. There are significant shortfalls for some client groups and in some areas. Main features of floating housing support provision are:

• There is limited provision for some client groups (e.g. people with mental health problems, people with a physical disability, people who misuse substances and travelling people).
• Access to services can be uneven depending upon geographical location.
• There is a lack of services for those with more complex needs that require specialised floating support provision.
• General lack of services for people with housing support needs living in the owner occupied sector. This is likely in particular to affect older people and those with a physical disability.