Cumberland Council is keeping the community informed of the progress of Eskdale House Care Home in Longtown, near Carlisle, as it approached its final stages of development.
Cumberland Council became responsible for the project on 1 April and has invested £2.3 million to refurbish Eskdale House Care Home, which has helped to bring it up to the Dementia Gold Standards and reduce its carbon footprint.
The refurbishment work to the 21-bed care home has seen a full redecoration, bathroom improvements which include installing new rise and fall baths, some of the bedrooms have been converted to form en-suites and modifications to others to make them larger. The laundry and kitchen areas have also been refurbished to adhere to the latest infection control guidelines.
Improvements to staff welfare facilities were also made to provide a staff shower room, changing area and a dedicated break room.
All works have been designed to provide efficiencies in reducing carbon reduction this will be reduced through new more efficient boiler systems, increased insulation where practical the use of LED lighting all of which will contribute to thermal efficiencies and aim to reduce energy consumption.
In addition to these internal improvements, the exterior has also undergone enhancements, with the installation of new access ramps, balustrades, raised flower beds, and the relocation of the oil tank to create level access to the internal garden area.
Eskdale House Care Home will be complete shortly, with residents expected to move in in the new year.
Cumberland Councillor Markus Campbell-Savours, Executive Member for Adults and Community Health, said:
“I am proud to be part of the council's unwavering commitment to providing a cost effective top-tier care facilities, underpinned by substantial investments in modern, state-of-the-art amenities for Cumberland residents. These investments not only benefit residents but also provide a conducive working environment for staff, enabling them to deliver the highest quality care.”
Cumberland Council enlisted the services of the local contractor, Thomas Armstrong, to collaborate with them, residents, and staff in planning the refurbishment work, designed to cater to the needs of older individuals and those who care for them.
The project is anticipated to conclude in the autumn, with an opening date set for the new year.