Soha’s Independent Living team remains an ‘outstanding’ provider of housing and services says an external appraisal of its performance.
The housing association manages bungalows, flats, houses and Extra Care apartments for people of later years across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. A full assessment by erosh, a national consortium of providers of housing and support services for older people, is carried out every three years. The appraisal in June was a check on whether the ‘outstanding’ attribution it gave Soha in 2019 still obtains – and it does.
A blend of tenant and staff interviews and a written submission to be re-accredited found two particular areas of note: work on loneliness and isolation, and on digital inclusion.
Steve Rafferty of erosh, who conducted the mid-term appraisal, said: “The work that has been done in keeping in touch with older residents and offering support has been exceptional, with a big focus on digital inclusion for residents to stay in contact with family and others. Averting loneliness and isolation have been tackled at a time when activities have been limited and communal lounges closed. The extent of the offer and support provided to tenants and the wider community is impressive in relation to Soha’s size.”
“All residents spoken to were very impressed by the commitment shown by Soha staff during this difficult period.”
The picture shows Petypher House Extra Care scheme, near Abingdon, taken from the gardens