Derbyshire council puts seven care homes on notice

The homes - Ladycross House, Beechcroft, East Clune, Holmlea, The Spinney, Goyt Valley House, and Gernon Manor – collectively accommodate 68 residents supported by 240 staff.

A report submitted to DCC found even if the repairs costing £30m were carried out, 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.

The work needed includes replacing boilers, heating systems, refitting all kitchens and bathrooms, roofing works and installing sprinkler systems.

There is also a pressing need for an invasive rewire in each home to be carried out by September 2022, said DCC.

The council will consult on three options: renovation, which would require residents to move out for up to 40 weeks;  close the homes and support residents to move to other local, suitable alternative provision; and close the homes and support residents to move to any available suitable alternative provision.

If councillors agrees the consultation proposals, Derbyshire residents would have 12 weeks to give their views from 22 November 2021.

“It is clear that Covid-19 has had a long-lasting impact on the way we all live our lives including for our older residents,” said Councillor Natalie Hoy, DCC cabinet member for adult social care.

“Although we were already seeing an increasing trend of older people choosing to remain independent rather than going into residential care, the pandemic has put that into even sharper focus,” she added.

“We have to review all possible options in relation to these residential homes to ensure that older people live in buildings which are safe, fit for purpose and meet all the required standards to provide them with the best possible care.”

During the height of the Covid pandemic, DCC had shelved plans to close the seven care homes .