Wardens face the chop

Thursday, 12 February 2009

By Mary McConnell

VULNERABLE elderly residents could be left to fend for themselves after councillors tabled plans to scrap onsite wardens in sheltered housing.
Residents above the age of 60 who live in one of Barnet’s sheltered homes currently have access to the services of a warden, also known as a sheltered housing officer, who makes daily contact with them to check on their wellbeing and raises the alarm if there is an emergency.
There are about 60 wardens in Barnet who deal with emergencies, encourage social activities among residents such as bingo, and provide them with information about the benefits they are entitled to receive. The wardens are on site from 9am to 5pm every weekday.
But in order to save money, Barnet Council wants them replaced next year with a “floating” warden service, which would see off-site officers only having to keep tabs on tenants deemed to be the most vulnerable.
Stan Davison, the chairman of the Barnet 55+ Forum, said: “In a caring society it is unacceptable to cut this service.
“The onsite wardens are essential. Having a designated person who is trained to deal with emergencies puts residents’ minds at rest.
“Older people need help to remain independent, especially in times like this when there has been snow and ice about. I would urge people to protest against these changes.”
A council spokesman said: “These changes are subject to a consultation, which starts on Monday, and approval by the full council.
“Wardens do not actually provide any care services and residents in sheltered housing are required to make a contribution towards the cost of the service, which we heavily subsidise, whether or not they use it. The new service would be free of charge.”
Lynne Hillan, cabinet member for community services, said: “A floating support service will allow us to target our limited resources to those who have specific needs.
“As we spend in excess of £85million a year on adult social care for our residents, we have a duty to focus on those who need care while supporting those who wish to continue living independently while in sheltered housing.”
The cabinet will make a final decision on the future of the service in June.

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4 comments on this news item

Posted by : A Freeman, North Finchley N12 | Monday 09/Mar/2009 | Report this comment

My 94 year old Grandmother lives in Barnet sheltered housing and the warden there is amazing. These cuts are wrong, the council are picking on the vulnerable. There is no question that these funding cuts will cost lives. There cannot be profit any to this, the financial burden will only be transferred to the NHS and social care services.

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Posted by : Janette Dumpleton, Cheshire | Tuesday 03/Mar/2009 | Report this comment

My mother has lived in Barnet for 82 years and when my father became terminally ill they decided to move to sheltered housing. Since my father passed away my mothers health has deteriorated. Recently she collapsed and was unable to get to the emergency pull cord fortunately the warden visited and called an ambulance. For her to live independantly she needs the reassurance of an onsite warden

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Posted by : David Gayler, Borehamwood Herts | Monday 16/Feb/2009 | Report this comment

My Mother has lived in Barnet for over sixty years and for the last two years has been in a Barnet warden home and has been cared for professionally and sypathetically by the current warden. Without such wardens the homes will be another souless place which Barnet council seems quite adept at creating. Cut backs should start at the top;may I suggest with ’cabinet member for community services’

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