What this consultation is about
We’re committed to providing the best possible care and accommodation for older people across Derbyshire.
An independent survey has found that some of our older care homes need significant maintenance, refurbishment and renovation including:
- replacing boilers
- heating systems
- refitting all kitchens and bathrooms
- roofing works
- installing sprinkler systems
There is also a pressing need to carry out an invasive rewire by September 2022 which could mean significant disruption for residents who could have to move out for 40 weeks for the work to be completed. Even if repairs were carried out, some of the homes are no longer fit for purpose and do not have the space, facilities or capability to be adapted to provide high quality care for older people with increasingly complex needs.
During COVID-19 there was a drop in demand for care home places both locally and nationally with people choosing to receive care at home to remain living independently for longer.
In a recent survey that we supported, almost 70% said they did not want to go into a care home but overwhelmingly wanted to stay in their own home for as long as possible with the right care and support in place. Demand for our home care services in 2020 rose by 12% with more than 5,200 people a month now receiving support to live at home, compared to 4,500 in 2018.
Taking all this into account we're consulting on a number of options relating to 7 of our care homes:
- Ladycross House, Travers Road, Sandiacre
- Beechcroft, Nursery Avenue, West Hallam
- East Clune, West Street, Clowne (including East Clune Day Centre)
- Holmlea, Waverley Street, Tibshelf
- The Spinney, Landsdowne Road, Woodlands, Brimington
- Goyt Valley House, Jubilee Street, New Mills
- Gernon Manor, Dagnell Gardens, Bakewell
Options to be considered:
- rewire and carry out major works to refurbish the homes including
- installing boiler and heating systems
- replacing bathrooms and kitchens
- removal of any asbestos
- the fitting of sprinklers and redecoration - this option would require residents to move out for a period of up to 40 weeks
- close the homes and support residents to move to other local, suitable alternative provision – alternative provision being suitable (in terms of quality/rating) and local (within 10 miles) as defined during the previous consultation and Scrutiny Committee
- close the homes and support residents to move to any suitable available alternative provision - residents would be supported to move to available alternative provision which may not be local (as defined during the previous consultation)
We would welcome your help. Please complete the short online survey to let us know your views on these proposals.