Sheltered housing complex in Troon set for expansion

Aug 6 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S the sheltered housing complex for the 21st century.

Gone are the days of elderly people retiring to sleepy settlements to see out their twilight years.

Down at Braden Drive in Troon, life really begins when you hit housing of the sheltered kind.

If residents aren’t busy playing the Nintendo Wii, they’re holding keep fit classes and gardening clubs.

And a further boost is on the way with South Ayrshire Council set to shell out cash for a revamp of the complex.

These are good times to be at Braden.

And residents like Tom Gallacher can’t wait to make the most of the improved facilities.

Tom, 63, said: “Our lounge area is set to double in size and that will make the world of difference to us.

“It’s all about community facilities here and making everyone feel a part of what we do.

“So if we have enough room for simple things like everyone to come in and have a cuppa at the same time, it will be great.

“I must admit it’s a pleasant surprise that in the current climate, where money is tight, that we’re getting this investment from the council.

“But it’s something that we really appreciate and can’t wait to see the improvements made.”

Along with space improvements, the complex will also receive upgrades for disability access as part of the council’s drive to help sheltered housing in South Ayrshire.

Vera Kidd, the council’s sheltered housing boss, revealed: “Braden Drive is an excellent example of what these places can achieve.

“The residents clearly enjoy living here and it just goes to show what modern day sheltered housing is all about.

“People tend to get the wrong idea about sheltered housing and think it’s somewhere you go to see out your final days, almost like a nursing home.

“The reality couldn’t be further from the truth and the residents at Braden are proof of that.”

Married couple Donald and Eleanor MacLeod have just celebrated their 50th year together – and love life in the complex.

Donald, 72, revealed: “Life here is wonderful and a lot of that is down to the hard work put in by the wardens.

“They work seven days a week and ensure we feel safe and secure.

“That is the great advantage of sheltered housing – the security you feel is second to none.

“We’re looking forward to the improvements because it means events like our Christmas parties will be attended by more people in the bigger lounge area.”

The council are also set to upgrade Prestwick’s Lichtenfels Gardens as part of its improvement programme.

Councillor Nan McFarlane revealed: “Sheltered housing provides support for people who require some assistance to live an independent life and maintain their physical and mental health.

“It is important for everyone to be able to socialise easily and the changes at the sheltered housing units will make a big difference to the lives of residents.”