Posted on Wednesday 16th September 2020
Staffordshire County Council will be taking another look at previous proposals for the care home market in the county, to ensure they continue to fit the needs of older people.
The county council’s cabinet has agreed to take another look at previous plans to improve the care home market by providing more nursing home beds.
Currently, more than 2,000 older people are supported to manage their assessed eligible social care needs in a care home.
During the current Covid-19 pandemic, demand for care home places has decreased, meaning there is a risk that some care homes could become financially unviable.
Now, the county council is looking at the impact of the pandemic, and adjusting its plans to ensure the care home market is still sustainable, and people can access good quality, affordable care when they need it.
Plans include pausing and reviewing work to provide 38 nursing home placements by refurbishing a council-owned site, but continuing to explore the building of two new care homes, with new designs that are consistent with enhanced infection control.
County Councillor Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said:
“Offering good-quality, affordable care that meets people’s assessed care needs is very important to us. Already, more than 2,000 older people are supported to manage their needs in a care home.
“Like everything else, Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the care home market, and we will need time to assess its impact. It’s therefore important we take a fresh look at our plans to ensure they address the ongoing challenges from the pandemic. We have to ensure the care home market remains sustainable, so people can access good quality, affordable care when they need it.”