South Ayrshire Council - News

COUNCIL PLANS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME TO REPLACE "RELICS"

South Ayrshire Council is preparing to lead the way in providing 21st century residential care facilities for older people as the over-60s population in the Council’s area begins to rise dramatically.

The Council is making preparations to close two residential facilities, at South Lodge and Templeton House, both in Ayr, which are considered to be “relics of the past”, and instead plans to build a £4.5 million state-of-the-art purpose-built registered home.

The decision to undertake the ambitious project was made at a meeting of South Ayrshire Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee’s Convener and Leader of the Council, Councillor Gibson T. Macdonald said afterwards: “The decision was an important one for us to take, and I believe, a correct one. We are facing up to the responsibility of planning for the future, and in particular for the future of the increasing population of older people within South Ayrshire.

“I am pleased to say that in the development of the design for the new home consultation has already taken place with the management of our facilities, further consultation will now take place with existing residents at the present residential homes, and with our residential staff to ensure that their views influence both the final look of the establishment and the planning of the eventual move to the new facility. At certain times in the past, the Council has appeared to be inadequate in its consultation and discussion with people likely to be affected by Council decisions. I aim to make sure that this does not happen in relation to this important project.”

Once completed, the new home is expected to be hailed as a “standard bearer” in Scotland for residential care – with an additional benefit of having rehabilitation and respite care facilities.

The Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Social Justice Committee, Councillor Cherry Young said: “This really is great news. The go-ahead is being given to replace two buildings which are quite literally relics of the past, with a purpose-built registered home which should provide the best possible facilities. We are mindful of the high standards of care which are provided in the current facilities despite the fact that the buildings are no longer fit for the demands of a modern residential care service. This change will further enhance the quality of care on offer in our service.

“Every opportunity possible will be made available for discussions with residents to reassure them about the move. We want to make sure that, from the start, we dispel any concerns they may have. We will be making sure the residents are looked after with the very best care and consideration when they eventually move into their new home. We will also be ensuring that the design is adapted to provide safety, security and well-being in every possible way.”

The ground-breaking action by the Council follows intensive analysis of facts, figures and costs, and practical consultation including with a number of present occupants and staff members. For the past year the Council’s Social Work, Housing and Health Department, with the aid of the Strategy and Design service, has been exploring the future of the provision of Council managed residential care, and researching the implications.

Their findings have now been provided to the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in a detailed report from Jenny Thompson, the Council’s Acting Director of Social Work, Housing and Health.

Said Councillor Macdonald: “The Committee was made aware that by 2020 it is reckoned that South Ayrshire will have one of the highest percentages of over 60s in Scotland, with 33% of the total population – an estimated 34,900 - being in this group. The number of people aged 75 and over is expected to increase by 31% to 13,200.

The Committee was also told that it is estimated that cost of caring for older people in South Ayrshire might increase by 27% during the period up to 2020. It is also considered that a higher proportion of this burden is likely to fall on the Council for whom it is projected that the costs of care for the elderly could increase by 31%.

A total of four main drivers in making decisions about the future provision of the Council’s residential care resources for older people, have been carefully considered. These are:

A need to meet National Care Standards as enforced through Care Commission Inspections.

Current market forces which mean that there is less demand for traditional residential care and that future residential units will require to be single care homes operating at what historically was the Nursing Home end of the spectrum.

The Scottish Government imperative to alter the balance of care by providing and developing better services which help maintain individuals in their own homes.

Delayed discharges now being a direct result, not of funding but lack of capacity in South Ayrshire.

Said Councillor Macdonald: “We were told that to continue the status quo was not an option.
The Care Commission has already advised that current staffing levels in our homes will not be acceptable as meeting future care needs, and it is also imperative that by 2008 the Council’s residential services must meet registerable standards in terms of buildings fabric
And design.

“The recommendation which was approved by the Committee involves the relocation of South Lodge and Templeton House to a purpose-built 54 bed replacement at an estimated cost of around £4.5 million. The new facilities would be specifically designed to meet future needs and would have a longer life span, and the Council would gain a financial return from the sale of the current sites in Racecourse Road.”

Moving to a new-build state-of-the-art building would provide an opportunity to staff the new unit both up to future registerable standards , but also provide opportunities for joint working with Health services.

Disadvantages were listed as the possible problem of disposing of the current properties, finding and purchasing a new site in Ayr or Prestwick, and the potential for the cost of the new facilities exceeding the proceeds from the sale of South Lodge and Templeton House.

Other options which were also considered before deciding on the replacement project:

Refurbish both South Lodge and Templeton House at a likely cost of more than £4 million, with the cost of additional staffing to meet Care Commission requirements.

Cease provision of residential care as a Council Service, with resultant heavy staff redundancy and retirement costs. Initial savings would be limited as the Council would have to fund care home places for all residents in units and provide alternative daycare and respite care.

July 2006