Council-run care homes may close

Meadowcroft, built in 1965, could close. Picture courtesy Bradford Council.

Some of Bradford Council's adult care homes could close as part of a review.

The council is reviewing the future of its 11 homes which care for people with learning difficulties and the elderly.

Its executive will be asked to consider four options next week. They include closing all the homes and transferring residents to independently-run schemes.

The recommended option is to close four of the homes, apply for funding to replace five of them with new units and turn two homes into specialist housing.

Moira Wilson, the council's strategic director of adult and community service, said Bradford's elderly population was expected to grow from 9,200 to 13,400 in the next 15 years.

In a report to the executive, Mrs Wilson said the 11 homes were built between 20 and 45 years ago and were "unlikely, in their current condition, to meet future expectations for the quality of their environment and accommodation".

She said: "Continuing use of ageing premises could undermine the trust in and reputation of council provision over the next 10 years."

Mrs Wilson said the council's four options were to:

• Do nothing and continue to run the 11 homes as they are
• De-commission all 11 homes and purchase all services from the independent sector
• Investment to improve the quality of the residential home buildings
• Concentrate on specialist provision - short-term care and rehabilitation, people with complex needs related to severe dementia, smaller-scale services for younger people with dementia and older people with learning disabilities

Under the third option, Neville Grange in Shipley, Meadowcroft in west Bradford, Laurence House Care Home in north Bradford and Harbourne House in south Bradford would be closed.

Thompson Court in Shipley, Beckfield in north Bradford, Norman Lodge in south Bradford, Holmewood in Keighley and Woodward Court in west Bradford would all be replaced with new, 40-bed care homes.

Thackley Grange in north Bradford and Holme View in south Bradford would be used for extra care housing, which is similar to sheltered housing but offers residents more support with daily living.

The executive has been asked to approve a three-month consultation period, during which people will be asked to consider the four options or make other suggestions.

Mrs Wilson said: "It is recognised that the naming of homes for potential closure will cause anxiety and uncertainty for residents, families and staff; especially those living long-term in the council's homes.

"It is important, however, that the public and other stakeholders are aware of the current thinking and proposals in order for them to effectively respond in a meaningful way."