Plans to refurbish three Derbyshire care homes, including one in Swanwick, to be discussed
Proposals to carry out major repairs and refurbishment at 3 of Derbyshire County Councils care homes are set to be discussed next week.
Members of the Derbyshire County Council Cabinet, which meets on 10 September, will be asked to agree to carry out extensive work at:
- Briar Close House, Briar Close, Borrowash
- New Bassett House, Park Avenue, Shirebrook
- Rowthorne Care Home, Rowthorne Avenue, Swanwick
The proposals include a complete re-wire, repairing and bracing the roof, installing new fire alarms and sprinkler systems, replacing heating and lighting systems, and installing WiFi in all three homes.
Residents’ bedrooms will be redecorated, all communal bathrooms will be refurbished and offices will be spruced up. The buildings will be redecorated throughout and outside landscaping work will make it easier and safer for residents to get around.
If Cabinet agrees to go ahead, a contractor will be sought and appointed to carry out the work which is expected to cost more than £13 million and take up to 2 years to complete.
The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Councillor Jean Wharmby said:
“The plan to refurbish these 3 homes follows a public consultation on the future of 10 of our care homes for older people.
“It was vital that we carried out the consultation given the deteriorating state of these older buildings, their urgent need for significant repairs including re-wiring, the potential cost and the disruption to residents that refurbishments could bring about.
“We listened to the public’s views and it was agreed by Cabinet on 6 June that we would continue with the refurbishment of the 3 homes but that none of the 7 proposed for closure would do so unless a local care home or alternative provision was available to replace it.”
If Cabinet gives the go-ahead, it would be expected that work to each wing of the buildings would be phased, allowing residents to remain living in the homes in line with their wishes and those of their families.
However they would need to relocate to another part of the building while work takes place in their wing. Those who prefer to move out temporarily would be fully supported to do so.
Councillor Wharmby added:
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring our older and vulnerable residents can lead fulfilled, dignified lives in surroundings that are fit for that purpose.
“The proposed work to these homes would not only create lighter, brighter, more modern surroundings but they would also be safer for our residents, their relatives and our staff and increase the energy efficiency of the buildings.
“We realise that many of our care home buildings are old and need extensive maintenance.”
All the proposals for our homes for older people are included in our ‘Housing and Accommodation for an Ageing Population: A Strategic Vision for Derbyshire 2035’ which was approved by Cabinet in October 2018.
Members of our Improvement and Scrutiny Committee – People have been invited to help develop plans and make recommendations to Cabinet on how to meet future accommodation needs for older people across Derbyshire.
More News From Amber Valley Info
Working Parents Encouraged To Apply Now For 30 Hours Of Funded Childcare Working parents of babies and pre-school children are being encouraged to apply now for up to 30 hours of fu read more | |
Working In Partnership To Support Derbyshire Residents Working together to support Derbyshire residents and strengthen communities was the clear message to come out of a meeting bet read more | |
Heanor five-year-old wins £100 for school library A creative five-year-old from Heanor is celebrating after winning a charity competition to design a book cover with a Communi read more | |
Trading Standards Warn Don't Fall Foul Of Rogue Roofers Trading standards are warning Derbyshire residents to be on their guard against rogue roofers after nearly half of the doorst read more | |
Cromford Mills Awarded Major Grant from The National Heritage Lottery Fund The Arkwright Society is delighted to announce that Cromford Mills has secured £1.3 million in vital de read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |