Care homes set for major refurb
AMULTI-MILLIONPOUND refurbishment of local authority care homes is set to be approved by council chiefs.
Halton’s ruling executive board meets on Thursday, June 16, where it is recommended to rubber-stamp plans for a £4.2m investment programme over three years, with some homes being described as “cold and impersonal” and more like “an institution” than a home.
The work will include the refurbishment of its four care homes - Millbrow in Widnes, St Luke’s in Runcorn , St Patrick’s and Madeline McKenna Court - both in Widnes.
All four are run by the council.
The council had not originally wanted to run any care homes, but was forced to intervene in recent years after various private operators fell into difficulty.
In 2017, financial viability and quality issues meant the council decided to purchase Millbrow Care Home after it was put at risk of closure.
Then, over the course of the following two years, the council also acquired St Luke’s and St Patrick’s dementia nursing homes.
These were both privately owned and the council said there had been “significant and long-term” lack of investment which impacted on resident and staff experience.
The three care homes amount to 62.5% of the nursing beds in the borough, supporting residents with the most complex health needs.
The acquisition of the three homes, along with Madeline McKenna Court residential home, made Halton Council the largest care home provider in the borough for older people.
A report to the executive board, said: “Halton purchased the homes, with the exception of Madeline McKenna,
when it was evident that the buildings had been neglected.
“Some of the homes have decor that is very tired, and furniture that was dated, mismatched and sometimes broken.
“All of the homes struggle with storage meaning that equipment such as hoists are visible in corridors and communal areas.
“In addition, the bedroom areas are small with poor lighting, and garden areas in all homes require attention so they can be fully accessible for meaningful activities.
“The current environments appear cold and impersonal, with more of an institutional feel than a homely feel.”
The plans include building an extension at St Patrick’s and increasing floor space in bedrooms.
They also include making shared spaces lighter and more usable and creating rooms and areas that have purpose, such as sensory rooms and gardens.
A total of £3.3m has already been secured with further spending expected over the next three years.
The report said work is also under way to explore additional funding opportunities including Liverpool City Region green energy grants.