The new Lumphinnans Care Village was officially opened today with Fife Council co-leaders, residents and tenants joining in the celebrations. The Care Village incorporates a 60-bed purpose-built care home for older people, and 30 self-contained extra care flats within a managed complex.

It is the third to open in Fife as part of a programme to replace and improve care facilities for older people. Fife’s Care Villages have proved very successful in setting a new standard in care allowing integrated working between colleagues in Health and Social Care and Housing.

Cllr David Alexander, co-leader of Fife Council, who gave the opening speech, said: “It was a great privilege to be part of the opening celebration of this fantastic state -of-the-art facility. The care home combined with the extra care housing will provide the highest standard of care and a sense of community for residents, tenants and staff. The successful completion of the Kirkcaldy and Lumphinnans Care Villages and Glenrothes Care Village due for completion in early 2019, will bring many positive benefits to residents, tenants, and their communities.”

Cllr David Ross, co-leader of Fife Council, said: “The residents of Valley House and Jenny Gray House received excellent care and both had a good reputation. Lindsay House will build on this as the new facilities will provide an environment which will enhance the level of support already provided for the residents.

“Specially designed and adapted houses extend the time people can live independently and the latest Care Home facilities will allow integrated models of care to be developed. Located alongside each other, staff are on hand to respond to residents and tenants and provide care appropriate to their needs.

“Fife Day Services have relocated to Lindsay House and the extra care housing complex has drop in café facilities.”

Residents and tenants moved into the £10.5m Care Village earlier this year.

May Somerville, tenant in the extra care flats, said: “I love living in the flat and couldn’t have picked a better place. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.”

Jack Mollison, also a tenant, said: “The flat is perfect – there’s not a fault to be found. I’m much happier and love the company.”

Lindsay House care home has 48 permanent beds and 12 Short Term Assessment and Review (STAR) beds which support and enable people to return home after a period in hospital or to prevent admission to hospital.

Fife Health and Social Care Partnership provides day services within Lindsay House and the care home facilities include a cinema room for resident use and enclosed garden space with a Sensory Garden.

The Extra Care Housing complex has two very sheltered housing officers onsite to provide housing advice and support to help tenants to live and remain independent.