Closure threat at last ever Sandwell council care home
The last council-owned residential care home in Sandwell could be shut down, after council bosses revealed they will consult on its future.
Sandwell Council chiefs are due to launch a 12-week consultation on the future of Fountain Court in Bearwood starting next week.
The home cares for older people with dementia.
Cabinet member for health Councillor Yvonne Davies said the authority 'wanted to hear people's views' on what they think of the Millpool Way home.
A review into the care home's value for money from autumn last year concluded that the service 'can be provided more cost effectively'.
Cabinet member for health Councillor Yvonne Davies said: "At this stage, no decisions have been taken.
"Subject to cabinet approval next week, we will begin a 12-week consultation with service users and their carers and families, staff and local people on several different options for the future of Fountain Court.
"Our adult social care budget is under rapidly increasing pressure, and we want to hear people's views on all the options for Fountain Court before making a decision."
A report for next week's council meeting states: "Fountain Court in Bearwood supports 16 older people with dementia, and is the only remaining council owned residential care home in Sandwell.
"In Autumn 2015 Fountain Court was included in an Adult Social Care review of its directly provided services to consider and evaluate if these services are being delivered in the most appropriate way and to improve value for money.
"The review identified that unit costs are more than twice the market rate for dementia residential care placements and the service can be provided more cost effectively.
"Following the review it is proposed that alternative options for the future delivery of the residential service at Fountain Court are considered and that this proposal forms the basis for consultation with people who use the service, their carers and families, staff, staff representatives, local communities and other stakeholders.
"Fountain Court is owned by Sandwell Council but is physically linked to Penmakers Court, an Extra Care scheme operated by Midland Heart, who owns the remainder of the site."
