Amy RyanIn an overwhelming response to York Council’s proposals for change, over 1,000 local York residents have helped to shape the future care of the elderly.
A consultation was held from mid July to mid October, and residents were asked their views on nine residential care homes situated around the city; the 4 public consultation meetings had over 100 people attending and 1,163 residents completed questionnaires both online and in print.
A consultation period is a process in which the public are able to have an input on matters that will affect them, especially in laws, policies or like this one, an extensive project. Major organisations such as Age UK York also had their say, along with residents living in the nine care homes, family and friends of the residents, staff who provide care in the homes, voluntary sector providers and the private sector.
Recently demand has increased for specialist care to be given to people with dementia and high dependency, as modern facilities, level of care and access to a care bed has been called on to be improved. As a result, a clear majority of the public consultation agreed that the focus of residential care should be people with dementia and high dependency needs.
The majority of feedback also supported changes to residential homes under the Council’s proposals. The nine care homes in York would close and be replaced with three specialised homes. If these proposals are approved, 2012 will see the closure of Oliver House in Bishophill, and Fordlands in Fulford. A new home will replace the old one in Fordlands and another built at Haxby Hall, both housing 55 beds.
The Council’s Cabinet will consider this huge response to the consultation period at their meeting on 1st November. It is then that they will decide how York Council will advance in these proposals, and take steps to improve future care of York’s elderly residents.
