Call me cynical, but, don't we have enough derelict ex-care homes in Swanage already?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:47 PM
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
James Day Home To Close! ?
Call me cynical, but, don't we have enough derelict ex-care homes in Swanage already?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:47 PM
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Is it a privately owned business or a registered charity? If it is the former, it has every right to close or be sold. If it is the latter, the charitable status will have to be wrapped up, and any covenants discharged first.
Philippa Keeling (Chair of Swanage and Isle of Purbeck Lib Dems) has been in touch with Dorset County Council Social Services and with the owners Care South. Seems there is to be a private meeting for family and residents at 2pm Thursday 4th, after which a Press Release will be issued. More info here when we have it.
Virtual Swanage seem to have some more info on this:
Swanage James Day Residential Home to Close
James Day Home in New Swanage will be closing as a residential home which is planned for the end of March / early April.
There is to be a meeting at the home on Thursday 4th March when the residents will be told that they are to be relocated.
The home has had many thousands of pounds spent on it over recent months and the standard of care and facilities provided are excellent so the choice by Dorset County Council to vastly increase the rent the owners have to pay making it no longer viable to keep open seems very unfair on both the residents and staff who have worked very hard to look after the elderly residents and run the home.
Care South (http://www.care-south.co.uk/) who run the home say they will try to relocate the staff to other homes run by them to minimise job losses but the nearest homes owned by the company are in Poole or Bournemouth.
Virtual Swanage [http://www.virtual-swanage.co.uk/blog/post/2010/02/02/Swanage-James-Day-Residential-Home-to-Close.aspx ] also added:
We understand that the local MP Jim Knight has already been contacted about this closure and we would urge the people of Swanage to also voice their concerns to Jim Knight by contacting him on any of the following:
Write to Jim at his constituency office:
79 Lynch Lane
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 9DW
Write to Jim at the House of Commons:
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
Call Jim to arrange a surgery appointment:
(01305) 759401
Send Jim an email:
jimknightmp@parliament.uk
As he is driving the Big Care Debate, this would indeed seem an appropriate action.
Thanks, Postman. I will write Jim Knight.
Do we know exactly what sort of hike in rent by DCC has precipitated this? There must be more to this story than this. Is the home full?
1.10 PM:
' Is it a privately owned business or a registered charity? '
From its website:
Care South is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.
Company no. 2565033 Registered Charity no. 1014697
...apparently the meeting is now at 3pm (not 2pm) with another at 6.30pm..
...apparently the meeting is now at 3pm (not 2pm) with another at 6.30pm..
This is getting beyond a joke !!!
DCC has an aim to close Swanage down, first it picks on the young families (education) now the old.
James Day is a good employer for Swanage.
How many residents does it have?
Why is Swanage been served so badly by DCC ?
why dont they turn it into social housing at least it will make one part of the community happy
A shock decision has been made to close the James Day care Home in Swanage, with less than two months notice , reducing the number of homes in the Swanage area for elderly people suffering from dementia to only one.
"This is a rushed through decision", said Ros Kayes, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Dorset, speaking yesterday. "Why has it been taken so quickly, and why, after thousands of pounds of public money have recently been spent upgrading the building ?"
"My understanding is that a recent rent increase levied by the County Council has led Care South, the managers of the home, into financial difficulty. If this is so, why was the increase made ?
"I also have concerns about rumoured plans to redevelop the land into so called 'Extra Care' provision. This means warden assisted care - but we must be aware of recent court rulings that have allowed councils to get away with providing roving cover for warden assistance, rather than live-in support. This represents a down grading for all of the residents concerned, including many who are paying for this care through their own pockets. It's not good enough."
"People in Swanage have contacted me with their concerns. I am especially worried about the reduction of places for those suffering from Alzheimers, which unfortunately is an increasing number & a condition which cannot be dealt with in warden assisted accommodation.
"It is imperative that local councillors and the Health Scrutiny Committee at Dorset County Council are given the opportunity to make their own decisions about closure of the home - but I suspect, as always seems to be the case, that it's the officers who have made this decision. "
It all comes down to profit and greed - on all sides. Those who are vulnerable will always suffer. Is anything new about this?
Ah I see where this is going, a political drum being banged by the Libdems, has Ms kayes electioneering started all ready?
Of course its a shock but its a private company not viable so its closing very simple bussines sense.
It shouldn't be political as it concerns all of us living in Swanage - whatever our political persuasion.
I have to say...
Anyone is free to make a comment, whether they represent a political party or not. It seems rather cynical to complain if some parties choose to get involved in local issues. Wish more would.
Obviously it's about money. But it's also about people too, especially about vulnerable people.
This isn't as simple as any ordinary private business. The Council own the building, the Council fund some people's care. It's not as though this is like a private gift shop that's failed to do enough business.
Electioneering?
So why are Knight and Drax so quiet?
".. private company not viable ...."
They're a Charity.
Whether we like it or not, our lives are driven by politics.
There is a Council behind this particular issue, with Councillors making decisions who represent various parties voted for by people like you and I.
Indeed, is Bill Trite available to comment?
PRESS RELEASE on Care South website
http://tinyurl.com/ycgexm8
James Day Home in Swanage set for closure following rent review
Following the outcome of a rent review, Care South has advised Dorset County Council, the landlord, that it is no longer viable to continue to run James Day Home in Swanage as a residential home for older people. Following independent determination the rent has been increased by over 30% and the home will be handed back. Under the terms of the lease Dorset County Council require vacant possession and Care South will be working closely with the Council to ensure that residents are found a suitable new placement and are safeguarded throughout this process.
Chief Executive of Care South, Susan Willoughby said: "We are sorry that this situation exists and has come about by the increase in rent, which is beyond our control. Payments for residents supported by local authorities do not contribute sufficiently to the cost of care and demand for the type of home such as James Day is no longer paramount.
...we have had difficulty over a number of years attracting residents and a higher rent makes it impossible. We will, of course do everything we can to make all moves as easy as we can for residents and will offer everyone a place in another Care South home as close to James Day Home as we are able."
Steve Clements, Acting Director for Adult and Community Services at Dorset County Council said: "We will be working in partnership with Care South to ensure that all residents and their families are advised as soon as possible and are given the opportunity to choose another suitable home. Our first concern is for the residents of James Day Home and we want to ensure that we arrange the best possible care for them in the future.
Every effort will be made to place residents in homes in Swanage or the surrounding area or an alternative location of their choice. Our staff will be working closely with the residents and their families on an individual basis to give them intensive support to help them find alternative placements which best meet their needs. We want to keep everyone informed throughout the process and will make arrangements for residents and their relatives to be able to contact appropriate staff for guidance and advice.
Whilst it's sad that James Day Home will be closing, it offers the opportunity for a service more appropriate to meet people's need to be put in place for the people of Swanage and the surrounding area. This could include offering a better standard of accommodation for those who choose to live in residential care and providing a different type of service for others. An increasing number of older people are now choosing to remain in their own homes with the help of improved care services in the community rather than move into residential care. It is extremely important that, as a council, we understand these changing trends and adapt our provision accordingly as part of our commitment to valuing all our residents."
Plans are in place to consult with everyone concerned, including relatives and staff, and a closure plan has been carefully drafted to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents of James Day Home. Care South and Dorset County Council will ensure adequate planning and preparation time prior to the closure, and will be seeking to avoid any move during the winter months.
"We are very conscious that this notification of the closure of James Day Home is the second one for Care South as a result of rent review. The Board does this with regret and seeks to assure everyone that there will be no further closures.
Care South will continue its strategy of rebuild, new build and acquisition to meet the needs of older people which lie in dementia and nursing en suite facilities for the future.
It remains paramount that all involved are safeguarded throughout the closure process and Care South are fully committed to this" says Felicity Irwin, Chairman.
Sorry 5.03pm but: 'Whether we like it or not, our lives are driven by politics'.
I disagree.
You can and should support what you believe in regardless of its political colour.
Speaking as someone with a fair amount of priviledge in terms of knowledge I would suggest that this closure is not about politics but more about quality of care in one way or another.
Time will tell.
'Priviledge' should have been without the 'd'!
A bit of additional info from
http://www.wessexfm.com/news/review.php?article=124688
"While the future of the building has not yet been decided, it is no longer considered suitable for the care of frail older residents in the long term. The 1960s property lacks modern facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, and many of its rooms are too small to host equipment such as hoists. These issues have led to a fall in the number of placements at the home, which is currently only half full."
and on the BBC website
http://tinyurl.com/ygluz7c
The point I was making is that the Wessexfm report have a different slant on things.
The facility is not suitable. Rooms are too small etc. Only half of those rooms are occupied.
IF that's true, then it's easy to understand why it's closing, but then it should have been reported as; 'Due to poor facilities the James Day home is closing'.
Just wondering?
I wonder if there are grounds to believe that the home has too many issues and that the new legislation coming into force in 2010 makes it unviable without major investment?
www.cqc.org.uk
Spot on!
Rated as poor by the cqc
http://tinyurl.com/y9d9y8w
The Quality Care Commission reports are critical, particularly of management, as seen in this recent Key Report which rates the home as 'Poor' (but I am pleased to note the most recent report showed some earnest efforts have been undertaken to remedy some deficiencies):
http://62.73.173.233/CSCI/CRH/26/ES0000026826.V2000047557.R01.S.pdf
I would not permit anyone I care for to be placed in a home rated 'Poor' on more than a few recent occasions.
Due to lack of management for a number of months (thanks to Care South)the home did receive a 'poor rating' from CQC. This was due to PAPERWORK issues and not about the CARE the residents receive. Since the new manager arrived the home has been improved considerably. Money has been spent on improvements and the home, albeit 'old' is pleasant and comfortable for the residents. Thanks to the hard work of all the staff the home received an 'adequate' rating from CQC in January. New residents have been moving into the home and probably within months the home would have been full. This is all about money...nothing more, nothing less!
I too noticed in reading reports that there have been recent improvements. You are right that it is a decision based on money. However, even with improvements it would appear that the buildings themselves were not up to date, lacking such things as en-suite facilities which I imagine have become more or less expected in this day and age.
That said, the rent increase cannot have been unexpected and precious little time has been given to the occupants. Sad for the residents, but it sounds as though they will have good support in making the transition. Good luck to them all, and their families.
'However, even with improvements it would appear that the buildings themselves were not up to date, lacking such things as en-suite facilities which I imagine have become more or less expected in this day and age'.
I think you'll find that 'the buildings' bit is something of a red herring - the majority of rooms in such homes (particularly those run by Care South) do not have ensuite facilities and this does not prevent other homes from filling their beds.
Neither does it contribute to 'poor' care - this is almost entirely down to poor management of staff and resources.
Even with 'good support' it is extremely unlikely that most of the residents will be able to find appropriate placements to move into without leaving Swanage. This will add further angst to the situation for all involved and the toll of this shouldn't be underestimated.
All the more reason why a solution other than closure should be sought.
And what would you suggest?
Dorset CC, as the landlord of the property, could start by overseeing the running of James Day much as it did in the beginning about 12 years ago.
As part of its generic duties it is still involved in commissioning and providing social care - much the same as other authorities throughout the country. Therefore it shouldn't be too much of a leap into the darkness for Dorset CC - just a bit of lateral thinking in terms of making it work.
I may be wrong but I think this has already happened elsewhere not a million miles from here.
Failing that in the long term, I would hope that consideration could be given to re-tendering for the lease and to take over the running of the home.
It is after all the quality of care that has been of most concern in the leadup to the current situation not the fabric of the building.
Fine, but somewhere more money will have to be found to cover the 30% rise in rent whoever wins the tender. Unless residents pay more, it will have to come from some government funds i.e. you and me.
I am too young to know - but is this particular home paid for by the residents out of their own savings or insurance, or by the Council and/or Social Service, or a means-tested mixture of both?
A meeting will be held at the United Reformed Church on Wednesday 10th Feb at 7.00pm to form a commitee to Save James Day and to meet with Councillors, please attend if you can and support James Day and Swanage.
Monday 8 February 2010
Care Services Minister Phil Hope webchat — Tuesday 9 February at 14:30.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope will answer questions on care and support in a webchat at Number10.gov.uk on Tuesday 9 February at 14:30.
The minister will answer questions submitted by the public on care and support. Questions can be submitted here. http://www.webchat.number10.gov.uk/Default.aspx?webchatID=99
The webchat comes after the Prime Minister has pledged more choice, control and personalisation in health and social care.
Addressing an audience at health think-tank the King’s Fund on Monday, Gordon Brown set out plans to expand the offer of care in the home and to provide dedicated one-to-one nursing for cancer patients.
The PM said the reforms would work towards creating an NHS which focuses more on prevention and early intervention.
“People want public services that are not take it or leave it, but personal to their needs; tailored to their aspirations and responsive to their choices and decisions about how they want to run their own lives.”
By accelerating reform, the PM aims to introduce new, legally enforcable NHS guarantees including:
• Cancer patients to see a specialist within two weeks of referral by a GP and cancer test results within one week
• All patients to be offered hospital treatment within no more than 18 weeks of seeing their GP
• All patients will be able to register with a GP open into evenings and weekends
• A regular healthcheck on the NHS for everyone over 40
• In the care system, all those with the highest needs being looked after in their own homes to receive free personal care
The PM said a new national care service would aim to extend the offer of care in the home.
“Choice, control and personalisation is not just something for the young - the choices people make later in their lives might be different, but the right to a choice, to personalised care is just as important if not more so.”
Is there a national election coming up???
'I am too young to know - but is this particular home paid for by the residents out of their own savings or insurance, or by the Council and/or Social Service, or a means-tested mixture of both?'
T'is the latter - does that make a difference?
Yes, because the home's income will be affected by whatever the council or whatever determines are appropriate fees. A private home can charge whatever the market will bear.
Seems a bit harsh that the Council would raise the rent for the building by 30%, but not the fees it pays per occupant. They may be different branches of government (or may not) but they could join up their thinking to find the resolution to this.
Just my humble tuppence.
It appears that Jim Knight is 'on the case' (or is it an election year)????
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/purbeck/5000370.Jim_Knight_in_vow_over_Swanage_care_home/
Can I ask a couple of questions. when was the rent last increased and by what amount? Is it not the landlords responsibility for the upkeep of the building (not the inside)? How can any company private or otherwise invest in a bussiness if its only operating @ 50% capacity?
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Dorset, Ros Kayes, has been meeting with campaigners to look into ways of challenging the decision to close the James Day care home.
"There is particular concern for those suffering from dementia" she said, "and we are currently investigating whether this is covered by the disability discrimination legislation."
"A n independent report for Dorset County Council as recently as September 2009 indicated that there was a shortage of dementia care in residential settings, so how can it make sense to cut it?
"We have an increasingly elderly population the care of which is one of the major brainteasers in policymaking today, as has been evidenced by the national debate this week. But one size does not fit all with providing for older people. They have different needs. Some undoubtedly prefer and deserve the right to be cared for at home. Some prefer warden assisted semi-independence. But some need constant 24 hour supervision. As we live longer and longer, the numbers experiencing Alzheimers & Dementia is increasing. It is irresponsible therefore to be cutting services that support dementia care.
"I am told that whilst there are 5 patients registered with dementia at the James Day, the real number is more like 18.
"The Heathcote home in Swanage only takes those who pay privately , so where will the county council funded residents go ? It looks as if we may be looking at two tier provision in Swanage. It really matters to relatives, who may be elderly themselves, to be able to see their loved ones regularly without having to travel huge distances. There is a human aspect here that has not been considered.
"I also have concerns about the procedure. Why has this decision been taken so quickly, and why, after thousands of pounds of public money have recently been spent upgrading the building ?"
"My understanding is that a recent rent increase levied by the County Council has led Care South, the managers of the home, into financial difficulty. If this is so, why was the increase made ?
"I also have concerns about rumoured plans to redevelop the land into so called 'Extra Care' provision. This means warden assisted care - but we must be aware of recent court rulings that have allowed councils to get away with providing roving cover for warden assistance, rather than live-in support. This represents a down grading for all of the residents concerned, including many who are paying for this care through their own pockets. It's not good enough."
"It is imperative that local councillors and the Health Scrutiny Committee at Dorset County Council are given the opportunity to make their own decisions about closure of the home - but I suspect, as always seems to be the case, that it's the officers who have made this decision. "
Posted on behalf of Ros Kayes
Posted on behalf of Ros Kayes
AS i have said electioneering.
Is Ms kayes going to force a company/cahrity to keep going? easy to say when you cant be held responsible.
I wonder what you would say if the politicians stayed quiet?
I still think the solution lies with DCC et al, who seem to have their hands in the pie at both ends (the residents' fee provision; and the rent revue rise) - they should be able to find a solution to keep things going for a while at least until a long term solution is found.
That is, if the building is worth keeping for that purpose (it sounds unfit for purpose, or very nearly?). In any event, I think DCC et al could extend the lease a few months so that there is ample time to rehouse the residents correctly and humanely. It all seems to be a rush.
What about the employment rights of the staff?
See this gets me DDC do want too and will shut this place down. What Swanage needs is for our so called councilers to stand up to them and say enough is enough you cant keep telling us what to do and killing the town. Surely some must have some balls on that council to do just this , or are they all stuck in they own ways?
No one has answered my questions re rent ect. All this ranting and raving, really acheives nothing. Its funny how no one on here mentioned Days home before this news. I did not see any posts saying we need more residents in days home etc. Its going to shut and thats that lets see what happens then, if it is/was such an important amenity why was it only half full? surely a jewel in the crown should have been used to its fullest.
So Jim/Ros answer my questions.
"....our so called councilers to stand up to them and say enough is enough ..."
As I understand, it's the Councillors at Dorset County Hall who would have agreed this action. As someone above said, ask Bill Trite. The councillors are mostly his Conservative colleagues after all.
Things seem to be getting a little confused around here, let's try and sort it out.
A year or so ago the Inspection body gave JDH (James Day Home) a 0 rating. Because of that DCC stopped placing people at JDH. Presumably, private care firms/insurers took the same view.
Do you want your family in a 0 rated care establishment?
The rating was for poor (non-existent?) management. As I understand it the standards of care were not criticised, but the building was. No en-suite, and rooms too small.
So we end up with a unit that is half full, gets a new manager and things start to improve, but the home remains half full.
When the Independent Rent Body decide to raise the rent by 30% Care South decide to close it. It seems that Care South may re-develop it?
Do DCC have to enforce this rise in the rent?
DCC offer, I think, a three month rent free period to smooth the closure, Care South refuse.
Our sitting MP and two of the three prospective MP's have made statements about this issue.
Have STC made any statements about this?
Has B Trite said anything?
It seems that Care South may re-develop it?
Has JDH not got a covenent on it _ as has the football ground- stating for the use of residents only? Again when was the rent LAST raised? if it was say 10 yrs ago is not the 30% about right? if its only half full how can anyone be expected to invest?
'Do you want your family in a 0 rated care establishment?'
Only my ex-mother-in-law!
My understanding is that it can be redeveloped for other care use such as warden assisted or non-resident-warden assisted non-acute care, meaning more independent-living oriented (hence more expensive private or insurance funded care). Think of rented McCarthy & Stone-type care. The facilities are not suited for acute assisted care, such as Alzheimer's or Dementia.
As I understand, it's the Councillors at Dorset County Hall who would have agreed this action. As someone above said, ask Bill Trite. The councillors are mostly his Conservative colleagues after all.
Point scoring again
Purbeck Echo:Jim Knight
SOUTH Dorset MP Jim Knight has vowed to fight for the residents of a doomed Swanage care home.
Twenty-two James Day home residents and their relatives were left “devastated and angry” following shock news the home was to close in two months.
Families fear the closure, announced by residential care provider Care South after Dorset County Council raised the rent by 30 per cent, will have a devastating impact on their loved ones.
Some residents could be moved out of Swanage and the jobs of 46 full and part-time staff at the Ulwell Road home are threatened.
Mr Knight, who meets home staff on Friday, said: “Dorset County Council, partly as a result of not feeling able to refer people to the home, and then after putting up the rent, carry a high degree of responsibility for this closure.”
He insists he’ll push to ensure all residents are relocated locally, in Swanage if possible, and in high quality accommodation.
“Too often, and I say this after the attempts by the county council to close the day centre in Swanage, they just think moving everything to Wareham is okay,” said Mr Knight.
“It just keeps happening. They tried to close the household recycling centre and get everyone to travel to Wareham, but thankfully that battle was won.”
Care South chief executive Susan Willoughby said the home’s limitations led to difficulties in attracting residents.
She added: “We are sorry that this situation exists and has come about by the increase in rent, which is beyond our control.”
County council social care chiefs insist staff will work closely with residents and their families in a bid to help them find alternative placements.
Reprint. Nothing new here.
I worked at JDH which had room for 44 clients but only had 25 when it closed. It was a full residential home but at least 60% of its residents needed full care and were totally dependent on the staff for all their needs.
The house it self needed some updating and there was talk of making it a full home for clients with dementia.
I was sorry to hear that it was closing and i do keep in touch with some of the old staff
Hope all the residents found new homes and are now settled.
from a past worker
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