Improvement Works
Work Continues in £3.5million Upgrade of Older People’s
Homes
Major improvement works are continuing across
Bedford Borough’s care homes.
The Council is carrying out a £3.5million
upgrade of its residential homes for older people. Works that have
been completed include improved bathrooms with boilers and pipework
replaced where necessary, more access ramps alongside external
works including car parks and paving, and internal remodelling.
The works have ranged from more efficient and
modern heating systems put in place, to smaller details such as
improved gardens and lighter more welcoming communal areas and
receptions for the benefit of residents and their guests. There has
also been general redecoration carried out to update and improve
the whole feel of our homes.
There is more to come though, with new lifts
being installed in every home, new entrances complete at Parkside
and either ongoing or to be scheduled later this year at other
homes, and further remodelling, redecoration and lighting upgrades
planned.
Cllr Anthony Forth, Portfolio Holder for
Adults Service said “These care homes came back under local
authority management in 2014 which gave all staff the opportunity
to be harmonised onto the Council’s terms and
conditions including the National Living Wage. The
continuous improvement of the care homes would not have been
possible without investment from the Council and I am delighted
that we have been able to undertake these works and enhance the
experience of those who live in these homes.”
The works have been planned around the
residents to minimise disruption to day to day living, and are
expected to be complete by 2019, with the improvements set to be in
place for years to come.