Cumbria County Council confirms care home closure but outlines commitment to modernisation

Important care developments have been announced by Cumbria County Council that include the closure of Woodlands care home, in Distington, but promise an overall commitment to regeneration and high-level care.

Although the community faces losing the Woodlands care home, two care homes that had also been considered for closure, Park Lodge in Aspatria and Richmond Park in Workington, are to be kept open.

The council also confirms that Parkside, in Maryport, and Inglewood, in Wigton, will be renovated to a standard approved by the University of Sterling Dementia Gold Standards, while also declaring a strong interest in new extra care schemes and pledging to incorporate assistive technology into home care provision that will help service users remain more independent.

Cabinet member for adult social care James Airey commented: “We need to respond to the growth in our older population here in Cumbria. The modernisation of social care services is essential to ensure we can provide older people with choice about their care and support to live independently.

“We have taken on board the concerns raised about availability of residential services. In both Aspatria and Workington ideas emerged from the consultation and we want to work with the community to explore those options in more detail.

The issue of care home closures has proven a controversial one amongst Cumbria communities, with a 10,000 signature petition presented to the council in February and protests held outside its offices. Mr Airey hopes the new direction will show that anxieties have been taken onboard and respected, while pledging that any relocations will be handled sensitively.

“We took the decision to close Woodlands as the building is dated and there are a number of alternative services already available that support people with high level needs. We will do everything we can to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for those affected.”