Information on Loughborough

huntingdon court review

Posted on 31/07/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

old handsProposals to safeguard the future of Huntingdon Court in Loughborough together with 9 other care homes accross the county will be discussed by Leicestershire County Councils ruling Cabinet next week.

Previously inLoughborough reported on the decission of the County Council to change plans for Huntingdon Court in Loughborough.

On August 7, the Cabinet is set to formally withdraw plans to close two of its 10 elderly peoples homes " and launch consultation on proposals to transfer six to new owners instead.

In March, the County Council proposed to close two of its 10 elderly peoples homes, in order to create two extra care supported accommodation schemes.

Extra care enables elderly people to live more independently, in flats or bungalows, with access to support when they need it.

Following public consultation, the Council is now withdrawing the proposal, in recognition of concerns about possible "distress and disruption caused by any home closures.

Council leader David Parsons announced the move at the full county council meeting on July 11. He also pledged all-party talks, which have taken place over the last couple of weeks.

Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, David Sprason, said: "We want to consult on proposals to keep all 10 homes open and allow existing residents and staff to stay where they are, while pursuing our intention to develop more extra care housing.

Cabinet is set to agree to launch a three month consultation process on:

• Transferring six homes as "going concerns to independent providers, in whose homes 85 per cent of the county councils care placements (1,575 people) already live. The homes affected would be Catherine Dalley House in Melton, Hadrian House in Thurmaston, Huntingdon Court in Loughborough, Harvey House in Barwell, Kirby House in Kirby Muxloe and Woodmarket House in Lutterworth. This means that existing residents and staff could remain there.

• Retaining the four homes which provide specialist support, such as dementia care. These homes would be Lenthall House in Market Harborough, Curtis Weston House in Wigston, The Limes in Hinckley and Tillson House in Coalville.

• Drawing up further plans to develop extra care schemes across Leicestershire.