The future of Newton House, a crucial respite care service for families with young adults having the most complex care needs in Bath and North East Somerset, is in question as its looming closure has left parents worried about the care of their loved ones.
The facility currently provides essential short stay services for those with severe care needs, giving much-needed breaks to their full-time carers. Families have expressed deep concerns about the impending closure, emphasizing the vital role Newton House plays in providing essential support that enables them to care for their loved ones.
Despite the closure announcement, Bath and North East Somerset Council has assured families that they will not be left without the care they need. The council is currently assessing the needs of the families and plans to review the best way to provide respite care for those who still require it. However, families are urging the council to expedite the process to ensure continuity of essential services.
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The closure of Newton House, operated by Dimensions, is primarily attributed to financial challenges, leading to the council being the sole customer of the service. While the January 2025 closure deadline looms, council care chiefs have indicated flexibility, offering to continue commissioning respite care services from Newton House until alternative arrangements are in place.
In a bid to address the challenges posed by the closure, the council is considering multiple options for providing future respite care services, including continuing to commission services from Dimensions, setting up its own in-house service, or seeking external providers through a tender process. The council has reassured families that regardless of the option chosen, the continuity and locality of the care services will be a top priority.
Despite the challenges faced by the families, they remain hopeful that the council will prioritize their needs and work towards a seamless transition. The closure of Newton House has sparked widespread concern, prompting families to voice their distress and advocate for an urgent resolution to ensure uninterrupted access to essential care services.