93 Cornish Care Homes To Benefit From £740k Grant

Earlier this year the Government gave Cornwall County Council a £740,000 grant to allocate to care homes in the county to improve the quality of life and dignity of the residents.

The Government has now approved the list of homes, compiled by the County Council’s Department of Adult Social Care, which will receive this grant. 93 homes have had their applications approved and will benefit from an average of nearly £8,000 per home, with a minimum of £5,000 and a maximum of £9,600.
 
The work will enable care home residents throughout the county to benefit from a wide range of facilities. 39 homes will invest in carpets and flooring, improving the appearance and at the same time reducing the risk of falls. 82 selected a variety of improved furniture, redecoration and refurbishment, with 37 homes improving the gardens and outside access.

Carol Tozer, Cornwall’s Director of Adult Social Care, said “ It is very gratifying to see innovative projects being undertaken to raise standards well above the statutory minimum – for example, many homes recognise the importance of gardens and being outdoors – which is not easy if you are elderly and with limited mobility.”

“Innovative schemes improving access to gardens, creating new ones, including sensory gardens for those with sight or other impairments, or building a conservatory can all bring real improvements to the quality of life of older people. Even a barbeque area brings everyday benefits, (summer permitting), not always available to those who have given up their family home”.
 
Nigel Walker (Lib Dem), Director of Adult Social Care, said “Care homes are, quite rightly, being required to achieve higher standards than before. Consequently those smaller personal touches that enable residents to feel, in the fullest sense of the word, “at home” can be at risk of being regulated to second place. I am, therefore, delighted that addition funding has been forthcoming to ensure that abiding by regulations is not achieved to the detriment of a truly homely atmosphere”.

The grants have also been welcomed by Care Home owners. Mark Fairhurst, owner of the Courtlands Care Home in Rosudgeon, Penzance, said “With such pressure on our costs from ever increasing technology requirements and upgrading needs, and with limited fees available from Local Government, the grant from the Department of Health through the Department of Adult Social Care was most welcome. “

“We were able to improve carpeting, thereby reducing the risk of falls and enabling us to introduce colours and textures that were not confusing to those suffering from dementia. In the garden we have been able to carry out much needed renovations, providing accessible, secure and sheltered areas with a range of shrubs and plants.

“We have been greatly helped by a team with learning disabilities from Heather Lane Nurseries who have come for a day or two each week throughout the Summer. Whilst none of our residents can actively garden, they were happy to watch these activities and offer helpful suggestions.”