Sandwell Council cabinet members have expressed their sincere thanks and gratitude to residents of Walker Grange care home and their families, after they worked with the council to consult on possible options for the future of the home.

Sandwell Cabinet has approved a report recommending that the council commences work on Walker Grange to upgrade the building to ensure it is fit for purpose to provide Extra Care Housing, and to meet the changing needs older people, including those with dementia. Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Maria Crompton said:

“I want to thank the residents, their families, and the staff at Walker Grange for their commitment and engagement in working with council officers on the consultation about the future of the home, and for supporting plans for a major upgrade that will meet their needs.

“The consultation demonstrated how the home is appreciated by so many people in Sandwell, and that they want Walker Grange to continue to provide its valued services and for these to be developed further so residents continue to feel safe, protected, respected and cared for.”

The recommendation to Cabinet comes after an assessment of the condition and structure of the building, and an extensive consultation with the home’s stakeholders which ran from 23 September to 8 November.

The consultation included:
• Planned meetings with tenants, their families and staff, held on site at Walker Grange, following COVID 19 infection prevention procedures and controls.
• A meeting with the council’s leader, held at the request of tenants and their families
• Use of Microsoft Teams for people who were unable to attend on site.

Following today’s decision, a further report will be prepared and presented to Cabinet setting out a detailed implementation plan recommendation and the allocation of financial resources.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, cabinet member for adults, social care and health, added: “Walker Grange has strong links to the wider community, and this consultation with tenants, families, staff and the wider public made it clear that further investment and maintenance could potentially create a resource that provides additional support to vulnerable adults in Sandwell.

“It is vital that people with care and support needs are enabled – as this consultation has done – to inform choices about the life they live, giving our older and more vulnerable residents the opportunity to remain within a community setting in a “Home for Life.”

Councillor Crompton added: “By working together we have all ensured that vulnerable groups – who often find it difficult to make their voices heard – are able to influence and shape plans and seek a resolution that meets the needs of Walker Grange’s residents, families and staff.”