Plans backed for new care homes

Members of York Council’s cabinet have approved the first steps towards building a series of new residential care homes to meet the growing demand for health services for the elderly.

The council agreed in July to conduct a review of its nine residential care homes amid predictions the number of people aged over 65 is expected to increase by nearly a quarter in less than a decade. A five-year vision is being drawn up to reduce the number of hospital and care home admissions, representing the biggest changes since the existing facilities were built in the 1960s and 1970s.

Plans have now been approved by the cabinet to begin a phased programme to build developments on the existing sites at Fordlands and Haxby Hall and a new site at Lowfields. A six-week consultation will now begin with residents, relatives and staff. Consultation will also take place at the council’s seven other homes amid plans to create new facilities over the next four years. The first homes could close in April next year as part of the first phase of re-development.

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