Sheltered residents have their say

The results of major independent survey of residents living in L&Q sheltered schemes across Bexley have been revealed this week.

Two thirds of all residents – 303 people across the 16 L&Q schemes in Bexley – took part in face-to-face interviews carried out by BMG Research.

BMG were employed by L&Q, on behalf of Bexley Council and L&Q, to conduct the survey during February and March 2007.
Here is a brief report on what the tenants said to the interviewers from BMG:

• Half of residents have lived in their present home for six or more years, and 45% are 81 or over.
• Around a third of residents get help from relatives and carers with some daily tasks such as shopping and cleaning.
• Satisfaction with residents’ home is very high (95% of residents are satisfied or very satisfied).
• There is one main area of dissatisfaction with the home - 24% of people with baths have difficulty accessing them, and all age groups now prefer a walk-in shower rather than a bath.
• Residents’ three most valued facilities are: own bath/shower; communal laundry; communal lounge. And the most valued aspects of your scheme are privacy and security.
• Satisfaction with the external environment and communal areas is high - most features are liked by 80% or more residents.
• A few people say they want additional facilities: 6% would like an extra bedroom; 5% more storage space; 3% a private balcony.
• Satisfaction with the 'warden' is very high: 89% can contact the warden as often as they need; 91% are satisfied with the support service provided.
• Residents want the warden for 7-8 hours a day, but mostly would not want to pay extra for additional hours.
• 90% would prefer to put up with disruptive building works rather than move. And 88% would prefer not having works done, rather than move to better flat.
• If moving, residents’ top priorities would be for a home more suited to future needs; close to present home; better flat. But 37% of residents volunteered that they would not consider moving.
• Residents have minimal interest in buying their own flat (6%).

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE (693 KB)

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