Two Cumbrian care homes are undergoing massive revamps to bring them up to meet dementia gold standards.
Cumbria County Council is investing £1.6 million in Eskdale House Care Home in Longtown, near Carlisle, and £1 million in Parkside Care Home in Maryport.
At the 21-bed Eskdale House, work includes full redecoration, bathroom improvements, some bedrooms converted to en suites and modifications to others to make them larger.
The laundry will also be refurbished to adhere to the latest infection control guidelines and the kitchen will be refurbished with new wall covering. Improvements to staff welfare facilities will also be made to provide a staff shower room, changing area and dedicated space break room.
New access ramps and balustrades will be installed as well as raised flower beds and relocating the oil tank to allow for the internal garden area to be level access and resurfacing and re-lining of the car park.
All the work will provide efficiencies in reducing carbon through new more efficient boiler systems, increased insulation and the use of LED lighting, all of which contribute to thermal efficiencies and aim to reduce energy consumption.
Councillor David Southward, cabinet member for economic development and property, said: “I am proud to be part of council that is committed to providing the very best care for those who need it, investing significant sums of money into providing modern, state of the art facilities for the people of Cumbria. This investment also ensures that our Cumbria Care staff are working in an environment that enables them to deliver the very highest standard of care.”
Patricia Bell, cabinet member for adult social care, added: “I’m delighted to see the work progressing at Eskdale House.
“Simple changes such as different colours on walls and door frames, plain carpets that are similar in colour and texture and clear signage on rooms and cupboards can help reduce stress and anxiety levels of people with dementia.
“They also provide a safer environment by reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls. I’m really looking forward to seeing the refurbishment work completed and the improvements they will make to the residents and staff.”
Cumbria County Council appointed Flimby-based contractor Thomas Armstrong to work with it, residents, and staff to plan the refurbishment work that will meet the needs of older people and those who care for them for generations to come.
The work is expected to be completed in the autumn.
Work at the 29-bed Parkside by contractor Roland Hill is expected to be completed this summer and includes full redecoration, bathroom improvements and some of the bedrooms converted to form en suites and modifications to others to make them larger. The laundry will also be refurbished to adhere to the latest infection control guidelines.
All the work will provide efficiencies in reducing carbon through new more efficient boiler systems, new windows and doors, increased insulation and the use of LED lighting, all of which contribute to thermal efficiencies and aim to reduce energy consumption.
