Parklands plans £1m investment in two Moray care homes
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Parklands Care Homes has unveiled a £1 million improvement plan for two Moray care homes ahead of their imminent transfer to the group.
Parklands was appointed to manage Wakefield House and Weston View in March after operator Craigard Care Limited went into administration.
The care group is expected to formally acquire the two homes in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Parklands – which this year marks 30 years of providing care in Moray – has submitted plans to Moray Council to upgrade both homes.
The biggest changes will be made at Wakefield House in Cullen, built around the mid 19th century and converted into a care home in 1992. Wakefield currently has capacity for 30 residents.
The proposed improvements are required in order to satisfy current Care Inspectorate guidelines, which cannot be accommodated within the existing layout of the building.
On the ground floor, major improvements include widening the pathway and entrance to the home to improve access for people with reduced mobility.
Existing bay windows at the front of the building will also be replaced with a new sunroom extension, creating a larger communal space to comply with the guidelines.
The existing single storey extension at the side of the property will be replaced with a larger extension. This will provide new staff-changing facilities and is going to match the appearance of the existing building.
Much of the work will involve alterations to internal walls and partitions to provide upgraded laundry facilities, additional WCs and an additional assisted bathroom. A new hairdresser and an additional en-suite bedroom will also be created on the first floor. A new lift will improve access to bedrooms at the front of the home.
The planning statement for Wakefield House states: "The proposed extensions do not obscure the original building and instead maintain the architectural quality of the original construction."
At Weston View in Keith, which has capacity for 40 residents, Parklands plans to create a new café on the ground floor that will also serve as an event space for parties, activities and concerts.
The internal foyer will also be enhanced to create a more welcoming entrance area.
Weston View’s four-day rooms will also be expanded to create more space for residents.
New doors on the ground floor will provide improved access to the landscaped gardens.
Balconies will be added on the first floor to provide residents with outdoor space, in accordance with Care Inspectorate guidance.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: "The investment we are making and the improvements we are proposing are all designed to create a better living environment for residents, in line with the latest guidelines from the Care Inspectorate.
"When we were appointed to manage these homes, we set out our intention to deliver the highest standards of care.
"That applies not only to the excellence of care we offer but to the quality of the living environment. Both homes require significant investment in order to bring them up to the Parklands standard.
"We hope to make an announcement on the long-term future of Wakefield House and Weston View in the coming weeks.
"In the meantime, these necessary improvements signal our commitment to provide quality care and a comfortable living environment for residents."
