Public Meeting Called by Council to Outline Plans for Modernising Services for Older People in Lochaber

A public meeting is being held at the Caol Community Centre on Monday 27 November when The Highland Council will set out its plans for modernising care for older people in Lochaber. The meeting starts at 7 pm.

In the chair will be Councillor Olwyn Macdonald, Convener of the Council’s Lochaber Area Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee.

Chief Executive Arthur McCourt and Acting Head of Social Work Bill Alexander will set out the Council’s strategy for providing modern, targeted and responsive services for a growing population of older people.

Convener Councillor Alison Magee, Chairman of the Council’s Care Home Sub-Committee and Vice-Convener Councillor Michael Foxley will underline the Council’s commitment to modernising services for older people.

A representative from the Invernevis Action Group will be invited to make a statement and ask questions before other attendees are invited to quiz the speakers.

As part of its strategy, the Council is undertaking a procurement exercise to provide a new, purpose built care home in Fort William.  This will meet care commission standards, which Invernevis House does not, and provide both nursing and social care needs in the one location. 

The Council is also working to provide more home care, day care and other community-based services, and to target these at those people in most need - to support them to stay fit and healthy for longer in their own homes.  It believes it can free monies for these important developments by reviewing the way care home services are provided across the authority.  The Council is taking these initiatives forward with support from NHS Highland, who will also be represented at the meeting to present local developments in health services.