Consultation on plans to reduce the number of Council-run residential homes from nine to five was completed on 29 November 2007. 

About the consulation process

We asked for ideas, comments and feedback from anyone including:

• People who live in residential care
• Families, carers and supporters
• Communities in Sandwell, especially local older people
• Stakeholders who work in organisations involved in older people’s care (e.g. statutory, voluntary or independent sector).

The formal consultation period was from 5 September 2007 to 29 November 2007.

The information below explains why we proposed these changes and answers some initial questions you may have had about the proposals.

We wanted to know what you thought so that when the decision was made it took into account the views that have been expressed.

How you contributed to the consultation

Members of the public, and representatives of organisations, and staff were invited to:

• Attend a public meeting
• Contact us direct in writing to Communications Team, Adult and Community Services, Kingston House, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LD.
• Reply direct through this website using our modernisation online form
• Send us an email: modernisation@sandwell.gov.uk
• Download the modernisation questionnaire to give us your views.

We aimed to reply to your queries within 2 working days if you requested a reply.

There were public meetings to discuss the proposals. The meetings were to inform you, and enable you to make your comments. Many people came along to listen to, and take part in, the discussion. Separate meetings were held with those directly affected by the proposals including residents and staff in affected homes.

We said that all comments must be received by Thursday 29 November 2007 to be considered when the Council decides how to proceed with the proposal.

Meetings took place at the following times and venues.

Why we are proposing change

Nationally, there are rising numbers of older people with greater expectations for their care. We are bringing services in Sandwell up-to-date to enable as much independence as possible in later life, in line with what local people have said they want and need. New forms of care will enable people to continue to have their own home, with their own front door, while they are supported in an intensive scheme with on-site care.

Questions you may have

What are you planning to do?

The Council currently has nine in-house residential homes for older people. Four homes will have to close:

• Birchfield Residential Centre, Oldbury
• Bromford Resource Centre, West Bromwich
• Kingsbury Residential Centre, Wednesbury
• Knowle Residential Centre, Rowley Regis

The remaining homes will become more specialised and will focus on intermediate care (rehab), respite and services for older people with mental health needs.

Why have you chosen those four homes?

The basis for selection of the four homes identified included consideration of a number of factors. These were:

• The geographical position of the home to keep older people in existing communities
• The costs of maintaining or required improvements to the fabric of the building
• The current and planned range and location of intermediate care and rehabilitation facilities.
• The distribution of provision specialising in meeting mental health difficulties in older age.

What will happen to the residents?

People who currently live in the four Council-run homes proposed for closure will be supported to make informed choices about where to move to. Each resident will be assigned a key worker to discuss available options. Where possible, we will also involve family members and supporters to help support their loved ones in making a decision.

Extracare housing is a good option for many people who are currently in residential homes. However, all residents will be offered the option of going into an alternative residential home if this is their preference after they have fully understood the options and implications of their choices.

What are the alternatives to residential care homes?

We are investing in extracare housing for older people. Extracare housing is where older people live in self-contained flats with some communal facilities and there is 24-hour care available on-site.

Extracare housing promotes independence and choice. It also provides people with security of tenure – it's your own home with the same rights and responsibilities as other people.

Extracare housing may not be suitable for everyone currently in residential care and we will ensure that people are supported to make informed choices based on a full assessment to ensure that everyone is relocated somewhere that will fully meet their needs.