Plans approved for Derbyshire elderly care

The authority is planning to spend £200m building about 1,600 flats, to replace existing homes, over the next seven years.

The council's cabinet gave the go-ahead to proposals which it hopes will "future-proof" care for the elderly.

Plans to match government funding for better broadband were also approved.

If the council can match funding of £7.39m, cash for improved internet connectivity will be released by the government.

'Super care homes'

A series of consultations will begin in April to gather opinions on the plans for elderly care.

Care homes earmarked for closure or demolition include facilities in Belper, Ripley, Borrowash, Ashbourne and Chesterfield.

The authority said its homes in Castle Gresley, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Bolsover and Eckington would remain open.

As well as building the new flats on 27 sites around the county, the council also plans to build four new "super care homes" in Swadlincote, Staveley, Darley Dale and Heanor.

The new complexes would include facilities such as hairdressers, a gym and extra provision for dementia care.

 

Sourced from BBC News, 22nd February 2012.