Published at 11:26, Friday, 14 October 2011

The possibility of care homes closing sparks a reflex pang of concern. News that county councillors have agreed to a public consultation which could see care homes close in Distington, Workington and Aspatria is bound to provoke shivers of anxiety.

Some of the 65 residents involved may share these concerns, along with their families. Even those with no direct connection are entitled to ask whether there is good reason for such a move to be considered.

The council assures us that there is. Its consultation on adult social care also encompasses plans to invest in support to care for people at home, and to upgrade care homes in Wigton and Maryport to support people with dementia.

The county council says there are 130 spare beds in council and independent sector homes across Allerdale.

Against this background, closing some homes may not be as unthinkable an option as might first appear.

James Airey, the council’s cabinet member for social care, says: “Older people have told us they want to be supported in their own homes if at all possible and demand for traditional residential care is reducing.”

The consultation will test this claim as concerned parties have the opportunity to air their views. The council’s stated aim is to improve care for older people in Allerdale. The public now have a chance to shape that care.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk