Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered a report setting out the results and implications from a recently completed consultation exercise about the future of Lower Ridge older persons' residential care home in Burnley.

Cabinet were advised of the background to the decision, including information on occupancy rates, building condition, alternative provision and future options. Staff at Lower Ridge were praised for their efforts to provide a high level of quality care for residents in the face of a number of difficulties. Detailed analysis was provided on the consultation, the key issues raised and the council's view and response to the points raised. It was emphasised that, in making the decision, discretion and flexibility must be provided in order to properly support current residents and their families.

Resolved: That:

  i.  the background and rationale for considering the possible closure of Lower Ridge as set out in the report be noted.

  ii.  the results of the consultation process conducted between 23 April and 15 July 2018 be noted.

  iii.  the closure of Lower Ridge Older Person's Residential Care Home, Burnley, be approved.

  iv.  the Director of Adult Services be authorised to:

i)  Ensure a schedule is drawn up for the home closure, that balances the need for each individual and their family to have appropriate time to make decisions against the overall need for the closure process, to be managed within a timescale that minimises uncertainty for residents, families and staff affected.

ii)  Hold any appropriate vacancies within county council operated care homes in East Lancashire, until current Lower Ridge residents and their families have had an opportunity to decide to which home they would prefer to move.

iii)  Ensure appropriate delegation of responsibility for officers to exercise oversight, discretion and flexibility in agreeing fee levels for Lower Ridge residents who wish to move into independent sector homes.

  v.  the county council's proposal to collaborate with local government and NHS partners to develop Extra Care services for older people in Burnley be endorsed in response both to the strategic needs of the area and the views of local people and stakeholders expressed through this consultation.