To consider the new opportunity in Dunstable to further improve care home provision and to authorise the commencement of consultation on the proposals contained within the report. 

1.      That the opportunities to further improve care home provision for older people in the Dunstable area be recognised by authorising the commencement of formal consultation on proposals for the future of Greenacre Older Persons’ Home and the services provided from it, as set out in paragraphs 36 to 48 of the report.

2.      That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising on the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the home and the services provided from it.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing concerning care home provision in Dunstable.  The report considered the future of the rehabilitation ‘step-up step-down’ facility and the day care facility as well as the care for permanent residents at the Council’s Older Persons’ Home (OPH), Greenacre, in Dunstable. 

The proposal was to consult on the closure of Greenacre as places were  available to the Council at Dukeminster Court and Rosewood Court in Dunsable on acceptable terms.  Both these new-build homes had modern standards of provision including en-suite facilities for each resident which would improve quality of life.  If a decision was taken to close the home then users of the day centre would be offered a place at an alternative day service that would meet their needs.

In response to a question, the Leader of the Council confirmed that Houghton Regis Town Council would be included in the stakeholder engagement.

In response to a question, the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing confirmed that she would clarify to the relevant Member the care home supply and demand forecast for Chiltern Vale.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that prior to making a decision about the future of the home, the Executive had as much information as possible about the options available and the views of interested parties.

RESOLVED

1.      that the opportunities to further improve care home provision for older people in the Dunstable area be recognised by authorising the commencement of formal consultation on proposals for the future of Greenacre Older Persons’ Home and the services provided from it, as set out in paragraphs 36 to 48 of the report; and

2.      that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising on the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the home and the services provided from it.