Review over future of care homes

Four care homes in the Redcar area are affected

A public consultation is due to begin into the future of four council-run care homes for the elderly on Teesside.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has to decide whether to retain and modernise the facilities or close them and move residents to the independent sector.

The homes affected are Luke Senior House in Guisborough, Kiltondale in Brotton, Wheatacres in Redcar, and The Meadows in Ormesby.

Staff, residents and their families will be consulted over the two options.

The first would mean 38 people make a temporary move to alternative accommodation, while extensive refurbishment takes place which would reduce the number of bedrooms by half.

Under the second option all residents would move permanently to independently-run homes.

Councillor Helen McLuckie, cabinet member for health and social well-being, said: "Minimising disruption for the permanent residents will be a significant consideration for Cabinet in eventually making its decision, although both options will inevitably lead to some disruption.

"Consultation will be on a one-to-one basis with residents and their families."

She added: "The proposal to consult on the future of the council care homes is no reflection on the council's staff or the quality of service provided, the issue is around the size of the rooms and adapting the buildings for modern living."