MORE than £200,000 worth of improvements will be carried out at care homes in York, council bosses have announced.

The Department of Health has allocated cash to City of York Council, to redistribute to 20 public and private homes.

Improvements will include rooms being upgraded and redecorated, new conservatories, computer facilities, and better toilets and bathrooms.

Sue Galloway, the council's executive member for adult social services, said: "I am delighted that the council will be able to distribute this funding so widely, meaning improvements to so many care homes around York.

"The money is explicitly for improvements to buildings and facilities. For those people in care, the state of a building can have a big impact on quality of life, especially where people suffer from lack of mobility.

"Projects such as creating specialized bathing areas and building conservatories will add a new dimension to care homes. Even simple things like redecorating and upgrading carpets will benefit care users.

"Five of the council's own residential homes will benefit including Windsor House, the new unit specializing in caring for those suffering from dementia. Here a sensory garden is planned and residents can really benefit from such facilities which alleviate stress and depression."

The total amount given by the Department of Health is £220,000.


What works are to be carried out where?


Lime Tree House (Main Street Upper Poppleton)
Upgraded bathroom

The Lodge (Main Street, Heslington)
New dining room chairs and activities furniture

Ivy Lodge (Briergate, Haxby)
Upgrade TV lounge and construct mobility scooter store

Somerset Care Home (Church Lane, Wheldrake)
Refurbishment of bedrooms and purchase of computers with internet access

Birchlands Care Home (Moor Lane, Haxby)
Upgrade dining room

Dunnington Lodge (Church Street, Dunnington)
Refurbishment

Connaught Court (St Oswald’s Road, Fulford)
Refurbishment of toilet blocks and new carpets in communal areas

Haxby Hall (York Road, Haxby)
Recarpeting of hallway and decoration of corridors, including dementia signage

Moorlands Care Home (Moor Lane, Strensall)
Build conservatory to enhance day space and dining area. Improve garden access and seating

Meadowbeck Care Home (Meadowbeck Close, Osbaldwick)
Improve two bathrooms

Mulberry Court (Shipton Road, Clifton)
Develop garden and improve access

Oliver House (Bishophill Junior, York)
Replace worn-out lounge area carpet

Woolnough House (Woolnough Avenue, York)
Redecoration of bedrooms

Windsor House (Ascot Way, York)
Create sensory garden

Fulford Nursing Home (Heslington Lane, Fulford)
Creation of luxury bathing room, computer room with internet access and web cam, and ramp to gardens

Willow House (Walmgate, York)
Build conservatory and fence garden

Galtres Care Home (Oxcarr Lane, Strensall)
Redecorate lounge, create separate dining room, create garden access and walkway

Wishing Well (Leven Road, Dringhouses)
Upgrade conservatory to allow year-round use

Armarna Care Centre (Rosetta Way, York)
Dementia signage

South Park Care Home (Gale Lane, Acomb)
Upgrade bathroom.