Applethwaite Green Care Home, Windermere - consultation feedback report

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness undertook research on the future of Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere. They spoke to 17 people, including residents, relatives, staff and local community members, as part of a consultation on proposals for the home's future.

Feedback showed overwhelming support for keeping the care home open and fully exploring refurbishment options before closure is considered. Many people believed the consultation process lacked transparency and felt that closure was being treated as the preferred outcome. Concerns were raised about changes to consultation information, inconsistent explanations about the home's future, and a lack of confidence that all options were being considered fairly.

Participants emphasised the importance of the home's community atmosphere, the quality of care provided by staff, and the value of maintaining local care provision. There were strong concerns about the impact that relocation could have on residents' wellbeing, with people highlighting the risks of disruption, anxiety and loss of familiar routines. Relatives also stressed the importance of being able to visit regularly and maintain close family connections. 

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness concluded that residents' wellbeing, continuity of care and local access to services should be at the centre of any decision. They recommended that the council demonstrate how all options have been assessed fairly, improve transparency and communication, involve residents and families more closely in future decision-making, and publish clear evidence showing how consultation feedback has influenced final decisions.