Meeting documents
Cabinet
Wednesday, 2nd October, 2002
Comments from Relatives
· With reference to the above my sister is at Greenacres and severely disabled. She is already emotionally upset about any impending move. Having lived most of her life in the local area. I sincerely hope it will continue.
· The provision of only three new homes should also take into consideration the need that one further home may be required, and necessary, in say ten years time because of the ageing population. The site at Goldney House should be reserved and earmarked for this purpose.
To be using existing warden controlled elderly persons bungalows and redesignating them as "extracare" is `guilding a lily' that already fills a vital and necessary part of elderly persons accommodation. This does not increase the accommodation availability --it simply puts off the need to build the fourth home for the time being.
At the meeting the model shown (photographs etc) showed a three sided construction with car park at the centre and I believe residents will not wish to be looking at parked cars. They will need a secure garden as at both Hawthorne and Goldney. The home built in a square with a corridor through all four elements so that they can walk and exercise during indifferent weather. The use of an upper level floor should be avoided as both lifts and staircases are a problem for the elderly. A single floor construction also avoids the use of fire escapes (also not, the second floor at Hawthorn, meant for residents, is no longer considered suitable).
· Yes, build new homes for the elderly, but keep the one's you have. Sunnyside is a well run carehome, I cannot see any point in moving all the residents who are settled in. For you to destroy these homes (it's madness) in 2004/5 we will need more beds for the elderly. I am a pensioner myself and if the time comes when I need care will there be enough beds. Keep the ones you have and build more.
· I would like to see more stimulation for the residents. I know this is difficult, but I do feel it is important for those with active minds. They like to feel useful, maybe helping with small jobs in some way, or making things which could be sold at a later date, this helps to raise funds.
Food also seems very important to them, if they have a good meal it seems they have had a good day.
· I don't see in your model what I consider to be adequate provision for Motivation / Stimulation. Which surely must be a factor in promoting a healthier lifestyle. I could not have an opinion about Carrswood, as I am not familiar with the area. Otherwise, I think the model looks very promising.
· Yes there is a great need for more care homes for the elderly. Not quite so lavish I feel as proposed. After the outcome of the 2001 census which proved there were more over 60s than under 16s and far more over 80s, I believe B&NES council should send
their officers out again to do another check to see if there is a need for 240 or 180 bed units. My personal opinion is yes there is a need for 240 bed units.
Why close down Sunnyside EMI? It is a lovely, clean, well run, happy home with "Excellent" dedicated staff. To uproot the old folk from such a wonderful environment totally amazes me.