“Staying Put Project”

 30 November 2004

Lucy MacQuillan and Maureen Robertson, from Argyll and Bute’s Better Neighbourhood Services, visited Lismore to introduce the “Staying Put” Project which aims to offer services and supports to help older people remain in their homes and communities and to live as well and as independently as possible.

Maureen spoke about the escorted wheelchair accessible transport which would allow people to participate fully in island life; the safety equipment that can be installed in homes; the introduction of a lunch or social club; short breaks for carers; and information on maximising benefit entitlement. A lively discussion followed with plenty more ideas being added.

The provision of the transport alone would make many other things possible such as shopping, visiting, attending community events, going to the library, and trips to Oban. The scheme, which would be administered by 2 part time outreach workers, is funded by the Scottish Executive administered by Argyll and Bute Council. If it goes ahead it is hoped that the part time posts will be advertised early in the new year so the scheme could be up and running by April 2005.

In thanking Maureen and Lucy for their visit, Councillor Elaine Robertson told the meeting that she had fought hard to get Lismore included in the scheme and that it would be a great boost to the quality of life on the island and complement the care given by the medical staff, home helps etc.

Anyone interested in the new posts should keep an eye on the Oban Times, the Lismore website and notice boards around the island early in 2005.