More than seven council run care homes to close down

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Derby City Council could scrap its traditionally-run care homes. Up to seven homes could be shut down or become more specialised centres to look after the elderly if an overhaul goes ahead.

Options include converting care homes into specialist dementia homes, "halfway houses" caring for people coming out of hospital, or "extra-care" flats, which give residents their own homes but with 24-hour assistance on site.

Councillor Ruth Skelton, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: "This was about seeing what we should be providing as a council and what future generations want." "The changes, if approved, will mean Derby is brought up to date and is placed to continue offering care to those people most in need of our support", she added.

However, no home would close before March 2011 at the earliest and only after consultation. The plans will be debated by the council's cabinet on October 27.