Supported Accommodation for Older People in Leicestershire

On the 8^th March 2011 the Council’s Cabinet agreed the sale of nine Elderly Persons Homes (EPHs) to Southend Care Ltd.  The nine homes that will be transferred are:

Southend Care was the successful bidder for each of the EPHs taking account of the quality and price/investment criteria.  The transfer of the EPHs as going concerns ensures continuity of care for existing residents by the same skilled and experiences members of staff, as well as securing a future for the homes. Southend Care has been in operation since 1984 and currently comprised of seven homes offering residential and day care facilities for older people in Essex.  The Council will now finalise the sale and expects the homes to transfer in summer 2011.

The Council will also agree interim arrangements with Southend Care for the short term continuation of the day centres at Curtis Weston and The Limes as these will not transfer.  The arrangements will be in line with the development of the new model of day services across the county, which has recently been the subject of a three month consultation period.

The remaining EPH, Catherine Dalley House in Melton Mowbray, is proposed for redevelopment as an Extra Care scheme with specialist dementia care.  This is subject to a separate procurement process which is due to start later this month

2010
Consultations took place:
Transfer and Sale -Catherine Dalley Elderly Person’s Home and Silverdale Hostel Site
Transfer of Nine Leicestershire County Council Care Homes

2009
Cabinet approved the Leicestershire Extra Care Housing Strategy, 2010-2015.

15^th Dec - Leicestershire County Council Cabinet agreed to consult on a proposal to transfer nine Leicestershire Council care homes for older people, and day care services (where co-located) to the independent sector. The development of Extra Care housing is an essential component of the Council’s Adult Social Care Strategic Plan.  In the medium to long term, more Extra Care provision is needed in Leicestershire, and this will only be possible if the Council takes forward a clear strategic approach with its partners.  Cabinet also agreed on a stand-alone procurement of extra care and specialist dementia care for Catherine Dalley Elderly Person’s Home and Silverdale Hostel site. Full Report to Cabinet.

15^th Dec - Leicestershire County Council Cabinet approved the Leicestershire Extra Care Housing Strategy for Older People, 2010-2015. Full Report to Cabinet & Extra Care Strategy.
19th June - Press Release - Cabinet advised on care home situation

2008
23rd June - Press Release - Sale of six care homes agreed
3rd April - Press Release - 10 interested in chance to buy care homes
22nd Jan - Press Release - Considerable interest shown in care homes

2007
23rd Nov - Press Release - Care home transfer to protect residents
23rd Nov - Cabinet decision on report on Supported Accomodation and Outcome of Consultation
29th Oct - Consultation Closed -  All comments received fed back to Elected Members in November 2007
25th Sept - Press Release - Get involved in extra Care consultation

8th Aug - 29th Oct -  Consultation period - The County Council asked for written comments from individuals or organisations across Leicestershire who may be interested in or affected by these proposals.

7th Aug - Leicestershire County Council Cabinet agreed to consult on a proposal to transfer six Leicestershire Council care homes for older people to independent sector providers as a way to pump-prime extra care housing developing.
Press Release - New consultation + Full Report to Cabinet

31st Jul - Press Release - Cabinet set to launch home consultation
11th Jul - Press Release - Proposals to safeguard care homes unveiled

5th Mar to 18th Jun - Consultation on proposals

5th Mar - Leicestershire County Council Cabinet agreed to consult with the public on proposals to develop more supported accommodation for older people as alternatives to residential care.

23rd Feb - Press Release - Older people could benefit from new supported housing scheme