Posted on Tuesday 10th September 2019
Up to 200 people who need nursing care in Stafford and South Staffordshire could be accommodated in two brand new homes.
In plans being put before the county council’s cabinet on 18 September, the authority is proposing to build two new nursing homes in the areas where the council experiences the most difficulties in sourcing placements.
If agreed, the homes will be owned by the county council, but operated by a traded company or external care provider. They could provide between 120-200 additional care home places.
With a decreasing number of nursing homes available, the county council is stepping in to ensure that nursing care is available to the rising number of old people who need it, and well as taking proactive steps to help people live longer, healthier and more independent lives.
County Councillor Alan White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said:
“Supporting an increasing ageing population care is an issue for the whole country, but particularly impacts on larger counties like Staffordshire. We estimate that by 2039 there will be an extra 50,000 people aged 75 or over, and the cost of care for these people is soaring.
“Both Stafford and South Staffordshire are areas where we have the most difficulties in sourcing placements, and where the rising cost of new admissions is the greatest. By building these homes, we can increase capacity and offer good quality, cost-effective placements to meet people’s needs.”
The plans will be discussed at the county council’s cabinet meeting on 18 September.