INSPECTORS have praised the quality of care and support provided to sheltered housing residents in East Renfrewshire.

An unannounced review of a number of council-run complexes in July rated the service as “very good”, noting especially the friendliness and helpfulness of staff.

The Care Inspectorate team spoke to employees, tenants and their families and found those living in the facilities felt safe, with many experiencing improved health and wellbeing.

When considering the quality of staff, which was also classed as “very good”, the report noted management were knowledgeable and supportive of employees.

The local authority operates eight sheltered housing complexes, including the Bellfield Court and Graham Street facilities in Barrhead, which house more than 250 elderly residents who require additional security and support.

A team of 16 sheltered housing warden staff work on-site seven days a week, with support from sheltered housing managers.

Councillor Danny Devlin, East Renfrewshire’s convener of housing and maintenance, said: “Our thanks go to the Care Inspectorate for their work on this report.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the findings and they are testament to the work of our staff and the strategies in place to support our sheltered housing tenants.

“We are committed to providing the best care possible to all our sheltered housing tenants, who are valued members of our communities across East Renfrewshire.”

The Care Inspectorate also stated that the council-run complexes were “well-maintained” and their gardens represented “beautiful spaces for tenants to enjoy.”

Work to develop strong community links and promote fire safety awareness and crime prevention also earned praise.

As well as the “very good” rating, inspectors made no formal requirements or improvements for East Renfrewshire’s sheltered housing support system.

However, suggested areas for improvement included a clearer complaints process and ensuring tenants receive “updates on outstanding issues and progress made.”

Council bosses will now consider those recommendations with staff and tenants before incorporating them into a Sheltered Housing Service Improvement Plan.

As well as the Bellfield Court and Graham Street complexes in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire Council’s sheltered housing complexes are Kirk Glebe, in Neilston; Fordyce Court, in Newton Mearns; Hawthorn Court, in Busby; Linnpark Court, in Netherlee; Montgomerie Court, in Eaglesham; and Waterford Road, in Giffnock.