Kirklees Council to progress talks on transfer of dementia care homes
Councillors were presented with an update on the future of dementia residential care homes in Kirklees at a cabinet meeting today (08 Oct).
Claremont House and Castle Grange
Councillors noted the progress of talks with independent sector care providers who have expressed an interest in running Claremont House, Heckmondwike and Castle Grange, Newsome. This follows a council decision earlier in the year, to explore transferring the homes to independent sector providers.
Negotiations with care providers
Permission was granted to progress negotiations to the point of being able to enter into a contract with interested parties to take over the running of the homes. The next steps include a six-week consultation with care home residents, their families and staff that will ensure their needs and concerns are understood. The outcome of the consultation will return to Cabinet before a final decision is made.
Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“We listened to the feedback from families of residents who were understandably worried about the impact that proposals to close the homes, and the subsequent need to move, would have on the wellbeing of their loved ones. We took this onboard and invested in looking to find an independent sector operator to keep them open.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we are only speaking with providers who would like to continue operating both sites as dementia care homes. This will allow continuity of care for residents as they will not be required to move out of the homes. Our residents deserve the highest quality of care, and we will endeavour to make sure any new owners meet our high standards. A change of care home ownership is not uncommon in the social care market, and we have seen this happen for a variety of reasons. The families of residents and our staff will once again be consulted during this process.
“Withdrawing from dementia residential care would mean the council could focus direct care delivery in parts of the market where there are fewer providers and options for people. This would mean making the best use of the care home bed capacity across Kirklees and therefore supporting the council’s aim to enable people to remain independent at home for as long as possible.
“Like other councils across the country, we are faced with increasing demands for adult social care meaning we must look at how we can make the best of the limited resources available to us.”