Consultation on the future of Wayfarers Care Home

Kent County Council (KCC) wants to hear people’s views on the future of Wayfarers Care Home in Sandwich.

On Wednesday 15th May, the council has launched a 10 – week consultation about the home, which currently houses a respite service and a residential unit for older people with general frailty.

KCC has been exploring the way forward for Wayfarers and now seeks the views of local residents on the future of the home and its preferred option, to close the home and find alternative provision for residents and explore options for developing older people’s accommodation, preferably in the Sandwich area in the form of Housing with Care.

Housing with Care is where people can live independently and receive high levels of care. It aims to reduce social isolation, promote independence and offer an alternative to formal care and residential homes.

Graham Gibbens, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “We understand the concerns of the people of Sandwich about Wayfarers which is why we invested much time and resource in exploring a way forward for the delivery of care services in the area.

“This has shown us that people want to be supported to live independently in their own homes with the best care to meet their needs.

“Accordingly, the council is commissioning fewer residential services and investing in a variety of enablement and preventative services to fit all levels of need.”

During the consultation, KCC will be meeting with staff, residents and their families to gather their views and answer any queries.

An online questionnaire will be available at kent.gov.uk/wayfarersconsultation.

Alternatively, collect a paper form and a freepost envelope available from Wayfarers or libraries in Sandwich, Deal or Dover and send it to: Consultation Team, Adult Social Care and Health, Kent County Council, Invicta House, Maidstone, ME14 1XX.

For any queries, call 03000 422557 or email [email protected].

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