Future of Kirklees' dementia care homes to be decided next month

Abigail Marlow

21 November 2024 at 8:00 am·2-min read

Claremont House, Heckmondwike — -Credit: (Image: Google)

A final decision on the future of Kirklees Council’s two remaining residential dementia care homes is set to be made next month.

Last Autumn, the council earmarked Castle Grange in Newsome and Claremont House in Heckmondwike for closure due to financial pressures, much to the dismay of families whose loved ones live there. But a campaign group set up in response managed to overturn the council’s plans.

While the closures were scrapped, Cabinet agreed that the potential transfer of the homes to the private sector could be explored, prompting the campaign to reignite. Last month’s approval allowed the local authority to progress negotiations with potential providers to the point of being able to enter into a contract.

With the plans gaining traction, the group has continued campaigning against the move, once again hoping to save the homes of their family members from the council’s axe.

After a six-week period of consultation with families, an update is due to come back to Cabinet on Tuesday, December 10. During that meeting a decision will be made on whether the council will be transferring one or both of the homes to the private sector.

In October, Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said that the council was only speaking with providers who intended to keep both sites operating as dementia care homes. She also explained that like other local authorities, Kirklees Council is facing increased demand for adult social care and needs to make the best of the “limited resources” available.

She said: “Our residents deserve the highest quality of care, and we will endeavour to make sure any new owners meet our high standards. A change of care home ownership is not uncommon in the social care market, and we have seen this happen for a variety of reasons. The families of residents and our staff will once again be consulted during this process.”

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