Issue - decisions

1.            That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property, and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Family Services and Public Health and the Cabinet Member for Housing Services:

1.1         Took into account the outcome of the statutory consultation for Carlton Dene, Westmead and Peebles House.

1.2         Approved the closure of both Carlton Dene and Westmead care homes, as they are no longer fit for purpose and up to modern standards.

1.3         Noted that no new spending commitments arise from this report.

1.4         Noted that the decision to close Westmead Care Home is not impacted by the SOS future requirement for the site as outlined in Section 4.5 of the report.

1.5         Agreed that these closures are subject to an implementation plan authorising the Director of Adult Social Care to:

1.5.1    Ensure a schedule is drawn up for the home closures taking into account the needs and wishes of the residents and their families.

1.5.2    Review the care needs of residents to ensure that their care and support needs are being met and if they lack capacity are provided in their best interests and are met in a timely and responsive manner.

1.5.3    Noted the on-going communication strategy with residents and stakeholders from December 2018 onwards, as set out in appendix 7 of the report.

1.5.4    To ensure the closure is managed in accordance with Managing Care Home Closures Good Practice Guide and management Checklist approved by the CQC.

1.5.6    In accordance with the wishes and views of the residents and their families, ensure that they have priority for places at the new Beachcroft development, or support them in their move to an alternative comparable care home of their choice.

2.            That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services agreed that following consultation under S105 of the Housing Act 1985:

2.1         Peebles House can be included as part of the redevelopment site for Carlton Dene, meaning that the block is demolished.

2.2         The tenants of Peebles House can be rehoused in line with the Council policies for housing renewal.

2.3         The Council can issue an Initial Demolition Notice in respect of Peebles House.

Reasons for Decisions

The drivers for decision making are:

(a)          Provide high quality residential care and increase the provision of extra care and supported living accommodation in the borough.

(b)          Give residents of the current care homes confidence that they can live with dignity in a safe, secure setting with the minimum disruption and consistent contemporary standards of accommodation and amenity.

(c)          Acknowledge and take into consideration the views of residents and in particular their families that there is complete agreement that the current homes are not fit for purpose. In particular, the shared bathroom and toilet facilities do not comply with our shared aim to ensure dignity and independence.

(d)          The view of the majority of residents and their families are that Beachcroft will offer a modern purpose-built care home catering for people in need of dementia care as well as better quality residential care.

(e)          During the consultation the residents and families were reassured that all care, support and timely planning will be available in the preparation for any move whether it be to Beachcroft or an alternative of their choice.

(f)           To make best use of the Council’s assets in delivery of its objectives.