Sheltered housing allows older people or those with particular needs to live independently, with the right support, in a comfortable and secure environment.

It also provides the opportunity for social contact and companionship, but equally respects an individual’s right to privacy.

But the authority is experiencing a number of vacancies within some its self-contained one-bedroom flats in the following communities:

• Ballater
• Cairnbulg
• Cruden Bay
• Cuminestown
• Fraserburgh
• Gardenstown
• Maud
• New Pitsligo
• Longside
• Rosehearty
• Rothienorman
• Sandhaven
• St Fergus
• Stuartfield

Many sheltered housing communities offer opportunities to engage with other tenants and participate in activities and informal social gatherings, whether that be an afternoon cup of tea or catch up, concerts or crafts, exercises or games.

Communal areas such as lounges and gardens provide space for tenants to relax in and socialize and tenants are also regularly consulted on future social activities and encouraged to contribute suggestions for type of activity they prefer.

Christine Robertson of the council’s Housing Service said: “The tenants’ communal lounge is an excellent additional space within the scheme. It is for you, your families and friends and your invited guests to use. The communal lounge is also used for group activities like games, crafts, classes, coffee mornings, concerts and special or informal social events.

“We also provide guest accommodation at most of our schemes which enables relatives or friends to visit for a short time - there is a charge for use of the guest facility - and occasionally pets can be accommodated with prior approval being granted at the time of the booking.”

Christine added: “Our dedicated team of mobile sheltered housing officers support you to live as independently as possible and they will carry out visits or wellbeing calls as required.

“Our teams can provide general advice and help and help you manage any home security, maintenance and repairs issues. They will also assist tenants with any official correspondence or form-filling and are there to lend a hand if you require access to other services such as doctor, nurse, occupational therapists and planned care.

“Sheltered housing officers also help tenants develop a personal housing support plan which helps you maintain your health and wellbeing and which can be updated should there be changes in your individual needs or personal circumstances.”