Replacement in the pipeline for Forfar’s Gables care home

Council: Authority has given the green light for recommendations detailed in a report before them

Health chiefs will demolish and replace an Angus home for people with learning disabilities as part of sweeping changes to estates.

The Gables in Forfar has homed service users since 1980 and is considered by watchdogs as a “homely and happy” residential space for 17 people but the facilities have been described as not “limited” for modern use.

Angus councillors on the policy and resources committee have rubberstamped plans to replace the home during a private meeting excluding the public and press.

And it is understood the care service, formerly provided by Angus Council and latterly the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, will be rebuilt as single-storey accommodation under a registered social landlord.

However the local authority refused to give any details of the move,

It is not known how many service users the plans will affect, or the number of staff

which is now in the public domain.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “There was submitted (a report) by the chief officer of Angus Health and Social Care Partnership informing members of plans for the replacement of the Gables Care Home in Forfar for adults with a learning disability, and seeking approval to identify a Registered Social Landlord partner to deliver the project.

“The committee agreed to approve the recommendations, as detailed in the report.”

The Forfar site, which was described in a recent Care Inspectorate report as ageing but otherwise high-quality in terms of service, was marked surplus to requirements last year.

However a buyer has yet to be found and the service continues to operate.

It is not known how many service users the plans will affect, or the number of staff. Each resident has their own bedroom which can be personalised, and friends and family are welcome.

In its inspection last year, the Care Inspectorate said the home did a “very good” job in arranging activities for its service users, but was limited by a shortage of private toilets and baths/ showers, and restrictions to freedom of movement.

The inspector commented: “The environment of the service needs to be updated and free from any unnecessary limits to freedom, though it is acknowledged that staff of the service have done their best to make the existing environment as pleasant as possible.”

The Gables in Forfar will be demolished and replaced as part of care provision plans.