Elderly persons' homes

Overview

Research evidence tells us that older people want to live independently for as long as possible. Nationally and locally, the demand for residential care is declining as people are able to remain at home for longer with support.

As people are remaining in their own homes with care and support for longer, we have seen a decrease in the numbers of residents moving into our elderly people’s homes over a number of years.

Extensive public consultation about the future of the homes was undertaken in 2011. The majority of residents did not want change, but most said that if change was necessary, that they would prefer that the homes were sold to other organisations as going concerns.

The Executive considered the findings and agreed that change is necessary but needs to be carefully introduced and planned over the next few years, and that it is likely that the Council will continue as a direct provider of some residential care for the next few years and almost certainly up to 2015.

Why your views matter

Proposals for change have now been drawn up for each home, and the Council needs to consider any new findings that may be identified from feedback from residents and their families, particularly  following consultation with new residents who have moved in the homes since the original  consultation was completed.

We will be contacting residents and their families to give them the opportunity to have an individual meeting with us to record their views on the proposals, and fully explore any concerns they may have.     

Homes Affected

Abbey House, Arbor House, Cooper House, Elizabeth House, Herrick Lodge, Nuffield House, Preston Lodge, Thurn Court. 

What happens next

Phase I-
We will;

Close Elizabeth House, Herrick Lodge and Nuffield House in 2014 and move the residents to other residential care homes.

• Market for sale Abbey House and Cooper House as going concerns in 2014/15

Phase II – To proceed, subject to confirmatory Executive decisions, following an evaluation of Phase I and its consideration by the ASC Scrutiny Commission.

• Close Preston Lodge in 2015/16
• Market for sale Arbor House and Thurn Court as going concerns.  Procurement expected to commence in 2015/16 with sale anticipated in 2016/17.
• Close Brookside Court following the opening of new Intermediate Care Facilities.

In making these decisions, assurance is given that:

1. Current residents and their families/carers will be fully supported through all changes, including detailed plans developed carefully with and for every resident moving to another residential home.
2. The Council will invest in Extra Care housing to increase the number of supported self-contained flats available for older people in the city.  This reflects the increasing demand for this type of accommodation.
3. The Council’s quality monitoring of the independent residential homes will be enhanced to ensure the provision of good quality of care and quality standards will be published.  This will include raising awareness of the standards and staff training and development.