There will soon be a number of closed care homes for sale after Derbyshire County Council revealed it is to press ahead with a series of closures despite significant public opposition.
It is to shut seven care homes in the county, claiming they are no longer fit for purpose and that bringing them up to standard would require spending another £31 million on repairs, maintenance and new facilities.
The decision is set to be voted through on May 5th, even though more than 80 per cent of the 483 respondents to a 12-week consultation raised concerns over the negative impact the move would have on residents and their relatives.
In addition, a petition opposing the closures has attracted 2,000 signatures, but this has been to no avail.
The homes to be closed are Beechcroft Care Home in West Hallam, East Clune Care Home in Clowne, Holmlea Care Home in Tibshelf , The Spinney in Brimington, Goyt Valley House in New Mills. Gernon Manor in Bakewell, and Ladycross House in Sandiacre.
Cabinet member for adult care Natalie Hoy said even if the money was spent on the homes, they still would not meet the needs of all residents.
She said these extra care needs would require facilities that offer “level-access showers, bedrooms which are big enough to use equipment, disabled toilets, access to outside space and be dementia-friendly in design”.
Ms Hoy also pledged that the council would find “local, suitable” alternatives for the affected residents.
The Derbyshire homes are not the only care homes in the East Midlands being closed.
In neighbouring Nottinghamshire, the Limes Care Home in Mansfield Woodhouse has been closed following the death of the provider Mr AA Toorabally, the Mansfield Chad reports.
A statement from his family confirmed his death and that his prior illness had stopped him taking an active role in running the home, which had its registration suspended after Care Quality Commission health watchdog inspectors had found major failings including loose injection needles and faeces around the building.