« Just need to be better off »
« Experts came to evaluate this, otherwise we would never have made this decision except because people who are familiar with it, » says Rannveig Einarsdóttir, divisional director of the City of Welfare, in a conversation with mbl.is, and refers to the city’s decision.
The staff of the resources and family members of service users have expressed great concern about their transport and their consequences, both on the operations and the welfare of service users.
« Our most skilled experts in this area have looked at this and like it. We will take all the tips and customize the housing as needed. It is of course good access, it is lifting in the premises, it will be launched and everything will be done to try to do this as best.
We were really very excited for this housing, people like this that we think this is very positive changes, ”says Rannveig about the criticism of the decision.
Misunderstanding that the remedies will be combined
Why was this decision made?
« I think there is some misunderstanding there on the move. The workshop, work and activity for the disabled, has been in the town for many years but we were losing that housing. It was the rental housing that the city had.
Then we began to linger for new housing and were able to get this housing at Skeifuna 8. Our professionals went and looked at this and looked extremely well, this is actually more suitable housing than we have been in, it is bright and access is good, and that’s why this decision was made.
We are going there for much larger housing than we are now, in addition there is another functional remedy in Breiðholt, Opus, and the intention is such as. That it also moves there – without any combined workshop, but these are separate resources but they will be in the same place and are very good because the housing is large. «
Current premises Opus, at Völvufell 11.
mbl.is/karitas
Is the intention to adjust the housing according to the group’s service needs?
« Yes, we are looking at it. Transport is estimated at the end of May/June so we have time to change and customize the space for this service.
Of course, this is a sensitive group and we want to deal with this. Meetings are being organized with relatives, users, staff and interest groups, and this work is being done now in the coming days and weeks, but we clearly need to correct some misunderstanding that has started. «
When asked, Rannveig says the goal of the meetings in question is to get tips on the adjustment of the premises and how best to access the transport and inform the meeting guests about what is happening.
« What we may need to be particularly needing to meet with service users and their relatives during transport, but unfortunately we need to close for a few days during transport, and especially the users who still live in their parents’ homes.
Seek have been hired professionals
Did any other housing be considered?
« Of course, there was a lot of views, the city’s property office is with us in this, but this was what was considered suitable. »
Was the advice of professionals sought for decision -making?
« Completely. As I say, we are in collaboration with the property office to find housing, but then professionals and experts from the Disability Office and the manager from the remedy on the spot.
Experts came to evaluate this, otherwise we would never have made this decision except because people who are familiar with it. «
Now, the Welfare Department’s lack of communication with family members of service users has been criticized, they have not been informed of the transport and themselves have become more information, how do you answer that criticism?
« I can’t answer it in itself other than that they are sorry that they experience it this way and we can always do better. We learn from it and just have to work better.
It is one and a half months in this yet and we just have to work out like we can these weeks. «
