Millar House, Melrose

Aims of the service

Millar House provides housing with additional features and support to help older people to retain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life in the community. Opened in January 1997, Millar House is situated in peaceful surroundings in Melrose. There is a bus stop just outside the gate with regular services into Melrose and Galashiels. It offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and a safe secure setting that is suitable for people with restricted mobility. Housing support is provided by a small staff team based on site. Further information on the service is provided in the Sheltered Housing Support Service booklet which is available from the address below.

What facilities and services are available?

The accommodation consists of six flatlets and a large communal lounge within a converted Victorian house and nine cottages in the grounds.

The flatlets

Within the original house there are two flatlets on the ground floor which are suitable for wheelchair users. The four flatlets on the upper floor are accessed by a staircase from the hall. All flatlets have a door entry-phone system, en-suite bath or shower room, snack preparation facilities and carpets. Gas central heating, hot water, electricity and two meals per day, served in the communal dining room, all are included in the service charges.

The cottages

These self-contained properties are to the rear of the main house and are arranged around the garden.

5 single person cottages
2 one bedroom, two person cottages, suitable for wheelchair users
2 one bedroom, two person cottages

Each cottage has its own kitchen, lounge, shower room and electric central heating system.

Cottage tenants are responsible for their own electricity bills.

Cottage tenants have the option, for an additional charge, to take meals in the communal dining room in the main house if they wish. Meals are cooked on the premises and special diets can be catered for.

The following are provided

The Co-ordinator leads a small staff team providing support, available throughout the day Monday - Friday and for a few hours over the weekend.
Staff are non resident and are not on duty overnight
Bordercare 24 hour community alarm
Communal lounge
Communal laundry
Bathroom with bathing aids
Maintenance and cleaning of communal areas
Overnight guest room with en-suite facilities are available and may be used for a small charge
Window cleaning (external only for cottages)
Grounds maintenance

Eldon Care and Support does not offer nursing or personal care to tenants at Millar House. If such care is needed, staff will help tenants to access this through the Health Service or Social Work.

What is it likely to cost?

Tenants pay rent and service charges to Eildon for their accommodation and related property services. Eildon Housing's rental policy aims to keep the rent and service charges affordable.

Included in the rent are the following service charges: light and power in communal areas, window cleaning, grounds maintenance, cleaning communal areas, communal TV aerial, fire detection system, staff call system, furniture and equipment in communal areas.

In addition the service charges for flatlets include provision of two meals per day and heating, hot water and power in flatlets.

Approximate inclusive charges for rent and services from April 2010

Accommodation Types	Charge per week
Flatlets in the house (includes meals and power)	£141.07
One person, one bedroom cottage	£67.17
Two person, one bedroom cottage	£73.50
Two person, one bedroom wheelchair cottage (No. 15)	£73.50

Housing Support Service Charges

The housing support service provided by staff at the development and the Bordercare alarm service are funded by Scottish Borders Council. Tenants may have to pay a contribution towards the costs of these to Scottish Borders Council (up to £56.07 per week from April 2009), depending on financial circumstances.

All tenants are responsible for their own Council Tax charges. Tenants in the cottages are responsible for their own electricity charges. Individuals may be entitled to Housing Benefit, Income Support and other benefits. Our Financial Inclusion staff will be happy to help if you are concerned about being able to afford the charges.

Who can apply?

The service is for older people who wish to live in Melrose and would benefit from the housing and support provided.

Applications are accepted through Border Choice Homes - information on how to apply is available here or from the address below.

How to obtain more information

For further information please contact the Co-ordinator at Millar House on 01896 823 798 or the Community Care Co-ordinator in our Selkirk Office.

We welcome and encourage prospective tenants to visit the property and meet the staff and other tenants.