Aims of the service
Oakwood Park 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. It offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and a safe, secure setting that is suitable for people with restricted mobility. Staff provide general support, help with housing issues and assistance in an emergency.

What facilities and services are available?
There are 19 self-contained properties:

•	6 one person one bedroom flats.
•	9 two person one bedroom flats.
•	1 two person one bedroom wheelchair house.
•	2 one person one bedroom wheelchair house.
•	1 four person two bedroom flat.

Each has its own kitchen, lounge, bath or shower room and electric central heating system. The development is on two floors and has a lift.

The following are provided:

•	The Co-ordinator leads a small staff team providing support during the day. Staff are non-resident and are not on duty overnight.
•	Bordercare community alarm.
•	Door entry-phone system.
•	Communal lounge/dining room.
•	Communal laundry.
•	Bathroom with bathing aids.
•	Overnight guestroom with en-suite facilities.
•	Maintenance and cleaning of communal areas.
•	Window cleaning (external).
•	Grounds maintenance.
•	Tenants have the option, for an additional charge, to take meals in the communal dining room if they wish. Meals are cooked on the premises and special diets can be catered for.

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

Who can apply?
The service is for older people who wish to live in Galashiels and would benefit from the support provided.

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.

Approximate inclusive charges for rent and services from April 2008

One person, one bedroom flat	£65 per week
Two person, one bedroom flat	£69 per week
One person, one bedroom wheelchair house	£68 per week
Two person, one bedroom wheelchair house	£73 per week
Four person, two bedroom flat	£78 per week

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 Supporting People charge (up to £49.72 per week from April 2008), 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 Welfare Benefits Officer will be happy to help if you are concerned about being able to afford the charges.

How to obtain more information
For further information please contact the Co-ordinator at Oakwood Park on 01896 758368, or our Community Care Manager in our Galashiels office.

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

For more information on how to contact Eildon, please click here.