They noticed that smaller homes performed better, although all homes had improved between 2008 and 2010, and those that were run by the voluntary sector had the highest percentage of good and excellent services.
The paper provided a profile of the changing provision between 2004 to 2010. The report noted that the number of residential homes had reduced during this period but the number of overall places had increased, which reflected a shift from the smaller residential homes to larger nursing homes. The increase in the number of nursing homes reflects the growing demand, as people with complex needs are living longer.
The paper also noted that there was an increase in the number of home care services year on year, reflecting government policies aimed at supporting people to live in their own homes for as long as possible.
It is interesting to see how Parkhaven Trust is a microcosm of this report. The Trust, a registered charity, has reduced the number of registered homes it runs from 11 in 2004 to 6 on 2010. It has also reduced the number of places. All these homes have been assessed as good or excellent. And consistent with the national trend, the Trust developed its own domiciliary (home care) service, Parkhaven@home. Although not subject to the inspection and regulatory process and therefore not mentioned in this report, the trust developed a day service during this period for adults with dementia, a valued service which impacts on the lives of approximately 100 people a week. So changes at Parkhaven are definitely mirroring those observed nationally.
Hilary Rowland
Chief Executive
9.12.10
Kyffin Taylor House
