A Cumbrian council reviewing the future of two care homes has urged people to take part in an upcoming public consultation.
Westmorland & Furness Council is reviewing the futures of Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere and Grisedale Croft in Alston.
Its cabinet met on April 21 and agreed to launch a public consultation about the homes.
A report to councillors said Applethwaite Green Care Home’s building was functionally obsolete and financially unsustainable.
It said the home had been operating at a reduced capacity of residents due to long-standing recruitment challenges, high agency reliance and an inability to meet modern regulatory standards.
It also has some of the highest costs.
Applethwaite Green is a 27-bed residential home with 15 permanent residents.
Cabinet agreed to consult on all options – do nothing, refurbishment, rebuild or closure – due to the above challenges and sufficient alternative provision locally.
The report said that 12 alternative residential homes rated as good by the Care Quality Commission operated within 16 miles of the home.
Grisedale Croft has 13 bedrooms. The council said there had been declining and limited occupancy over the last six years with currently three permanent residents.
The building is now over 50 years old and has exceeded its original operational life.
In Alston and the surrounding area there is little alternative provision available.The cabinet has agreed to start a formal consultation on all options on the home’s future with a preferred option to provide alternative accommodation in a suitable building in the local area if one could be acquired.
Today, the authority issued a statement about the homes.
It said: “We are currently in the final stages of preparing the consultation information relating to the future of Applethwaite Green Care Home and Grisedale Croft Care Home.
“We recognise the strength of feeling locally and understand that this is an important and sensitive issue for residents, families, staff and the wider community.
“We have carefully considered all feedback and comments received to date.
“This input is helping to shape the consultation materials, but we would encourage anyone who has already contacted us to also take part in the upcoming formal consultations to ensure their views are considered in the decision-making process.
“No decisions have been made at this stage. The forthcoming consultations will provide an opportunity for residents, families, staff and local people to share their views and ask questions. Our priority remains the wellbeing of residents and the continued support of staff throughout this process.”
It said it was aiming to launch the 12-week consultation later this month and details about how to take part would be released soon.
