Ostlers Way location for new 48-bed care home in Kirkcaldy

A NEW 48-bed residential care home is set to be built in Kirkcaldy. Plans for the home, which will be built on empty land north of Ostlers Way, were approved by councillors at Tuesday’s planning committee.

The site will include parking and landscaping, and work is set to be completed by the end of next year.

In time, the Fife Council property will replace both Appin House and Raith Gates care homes.

The new building will be split into smaller home-like units of around 10 rooms with resident day rooms and staff accommodation to create a feeling of community.

Large open spaces will make use of natural light, and fully accessible garden areas, as well as sensory gardens which will aid communication for residents with dementia.

The home will include daycare facilities, and will be specially designed with surfaces that reduce glare and visual confusion, and decor which takes into account residents with visual impairments.

Irene Burt, project manager with social work services welcomed the news.

She said: “With an ever aging population, providing vital care and support to those who are most vulnerable means adapting our services now.

“The recent Care Commission report confirmed Fife has the best care homes in Scotland – both of our new care homes will build on this commitment to quality.

“Great attention to detail has been given to the spatial layout of bedrooms, bathrooms and dining areas.

“In the gardens and landscaping, incorporating aspects such as the use of fragrant plants will heighten sensory awareness, with dedicated family and private areas being created in response to listening to the needs of those we care for and their relatives.”

The project is part of a £40m investment programme to ensure care and support for older people in Fife continues to be of the highest possible quality.

Similar plans are about to get underway at Blacklaw Road, Dunfermline and Fife Council is looking at the rest of the Kingdom.

The Ostlers Way site was chosen after an extensive search and it is hoped that the design will be the a blueprint for other homes.

The local authority is currently looking to appoint a contractor for the Kirkcaldy site and members of the public will be kept up to date on the work.