Families in Bath and North East Somerset with loved ones requiring respite care are being directed to facilities in Gloucester, even though Newton House in Bath—the area’s only respite care home for people with severe needs—is facing closure due to low occupancy.
Newton House, located in Twerton, serves as a critical lifeline for families, providing short-term care breaks for individuals with significant needs, allowing their full-time carers to rest and recharge. However, care provider Dimensions has proposed shutting the facility, citing an unsustainable occupancy rate hovering around 60%.
Parents, including Wendy Lucas whose daughter Rhiannon has relied on Newton House for regular respite over the past decade, have voiced strong opposition. During a recent Bath and North East Somerset Council scrutiny panel meeting on June 16, Lucas highlighted troubling experiences where families seeking respite were turned away and directed to Gloucester—nearly a two-hour drive away—as recently as last week.
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“These families meet the legal criteria for respite care yet are offered placements far from home, or no help at all,” Lucas explained. “It’s disheartening and unacceptable when Newton House is right here in Bath but reportedly not accepting new referrals.”
The young adults attending Newton House often have profound disabilities, many unable to communicate, making locally accessible respite care vital. The council holds a legal duty to ensure such services, which provide essential relief to carers who depend on them for basic life needs like sleep and household maintenance.
Lucas revealed that despite claims of low occupancy, families are consistently told there is “no room” at Newton House, sowing mistrust. “Why is it running at 60% capacity if families are being refused?”
Suzanne Westhead, director of social care at the council, acknowledged some recent difficulties citing contract negotiations with Dimensions as a reason for exploring alternatives. “The issue stemmed from not having an agreement at the time, which has now been resolved,” she stated.
Following negotiations, Dimensions has agreed to keep Newton House open until at least September 2026 while the council initiates a tender for a new service provider, ensuring uninterrupted care. The decision was supported by a working group that included family representatives.
Council cabinet member Alison Born emphasized the commitment to residents and carers: “We understand Newton House’s importance and are dedicated to maintaining support as we plan for the future. Families can be reassured that respite care will remain within Bath and North East Somerset, with their needs central to all decisions.”
An update meeting for all 17 families using Newton House is scheduled for July, with further discussions planned for September’s scrutiny panel.