Old Folks Home To Close Because It’s ‘Out Of Date’

A council home for the elderly in Berkshire is to be closed because it no longer meets modern standards. The 35 residents at Waring House, Thatcham, are to be offered places at a new home to be opened in Newbury next spring. West Berkshire Council spokesman Keith Ulyatt said the council had entered into a partnership with A2 Housing Association and Care UK to open Birchwood, a 60-bed care home in April 2007.

This will be a purpose-built home,designed by experts in the care of the elderly, which will specialise in the needs of older people with dementia.

“The council has been increasingly aware the building does not meet modern standards for care homes and has decided it will close the home. The council intends to offer a place at Birchwood to all the residents of Waring House, providing them with a high-quality and modern environment. All staff at Waring House will also have the opportunity to transfer to Birchwood, providing continuity of care to the residents.”

Care at Waring House, which is owned by West Berkshire Council, is provided by private health company BUPA. On its current website Waring House is described as a “modern, purpose-built home situated in a residential area of Thatcham, designed specifically to provide residential care”.

BUPA spokeswoman Collette Douglas said: “Waring House was purpose-built as a residential home. “The local authority has identified an increasing need for more places for people with dementia who require more specialist nursing facilities than Waring House can provide.”

Mr Ulyatt added: “The council is aware that this transfer could be difficult for all concerned. It is working with staff, residents and their families to ensure that the move to Birchwood or an alternative home of their choice is managed with a minimum amount of disruption and anxiety.”