News


downsmail.co.uk Concern over plan to close home


THE future provision of respite care for the elderly in Maidstone could be in jeopardy after a pro- posal to close a care home deemed “not fit for purpose”.


KCC wants to hear the views of residents about its plan to close the Dorothy Lucy Centre in Northum- berland Road, Shepway, along with another home in Faversham. The money saved would be ploughed back into improving care for service- users in their own homes. KCC says there is one permanent resident at the Dorothy Lucy Centre at present and that the home is not fit-for-purpose in the long-term. However, the centre offers respite


care for dozens of families across the borough. It also provides two day centres – for people with dementia and those with high-end needs. Paul Coles (pictured), chief execu-


tive ofAgeUKMaidstone, said:“We are obviously concerned about the


Moves to solve


bed-blocking Continued from page one A trust spokesman said: “We are confident of seeing further im- provements that benefit patients at all stages of their care. “Delayed transfers of care have


risen steadily over the last six months. It is important for our pa- tients’ future well-being that they are able to leave hospital when they are medically fit and safe to do so. “We have met with Kent County Council and welcome their latest and on-going efforts to rapidly meet any social care needs patients may have when they leave our hos- pitals. “We will not now as a conse- quence of these positive on-going moves be seeking reimbursement to support the on-going care needs of patients while they are in hospital waiting for different social care packages to be put in place.” A spokesman for KCC said: “In


light of the pressures experienced in Maidstone we have been able to progress an additional service to support people in their own home. This is in the form of a recuperative home care service.We will continue to work with our health colleagues to meet the needs of patients.”


Energy saving


RESIDENTS who signed up for the Big Maidstone Switch could save an average of £233.39 on their energy bills following an auction between energy companies. The 89 households who regis-


tered in the borough will be notified about how much they can save against their current deal. Updates are available from www.maidstone.gov.uk/bigmaid- stoneswitch.


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provision of services for the elderly in the borough but our major con- cern is for the future of respite pro- vision in the town. “While improving services at home is laudable, this does not give respite to families and carers facing round-the-clock care for their de- pendants.” The Dorothy


Lucy Centre is a 28- bed unit built in


1985 for general frailty and dementia respite and day services. It is one of four similar properties under the spotlight in the consultation and KCC says it is working with


providers and other stakeholders to develop alternative services, which would offer flexible, quality care and independence to older people. Alzheimer’s sufferer Colleen Jean


Hobbs (85) receives a lift to and from the Dorothy Lucy Centre every Wednesday from her home in Mar- den. Her husband David (84) said: “She is picked up with some other people and has a nice laugh and a talk. If it is dilapidated, why don’t they do it up? Loads of people go there every day.” Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We propose to close two of our homes because they are under-used and the buildings cannot provide quality care without significant in-


vestment. “The buildingswere not designed


to meet the current and future needs of older people who continue to present with complex needs requir- ing more specialistmodern facilities. “There is sufficient alternative ac- commodation in the Maidstone area for the residents of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.


“Respite care is critical and will continue to be offered. This will be either through the provision of respite care beds or day care, which is a form of respite care. “Any provision can only be se-


cured for the Dorothy Lucy Centre replacement after the decision has been taken regarding the future of the service.”


Celebrate the best in borough


THE people of Maidstone are invited to nominate their good neighbours, friends and colleagues with the re- turn of CelebrateMaidstone. The popular community initiative,


to celebrate the town’s unsung he- roes, is seeking nominations for its Star of Maidstone awards, with the winners attending a gala event in March 2016. This year, new nomination cate-


gories include: Star visitor experience – out- standing place to visit in Maidstone;  Star customer experience – leaving you with a special con- sumer experience (retail, restaurant, leisure);  Star mentor – someone who has


taken time to improve others (sports, performing arts or busi- ness);  Star community – outstanding contribution to your local Maid- stone community;  Star business contribution –a business or person contributing to Maidstone's health and wealth;  Star lionheart – a 15-year-old, or under, who has changed or effected change, despite adverse


circumstances.  Star innovator – a company, group or individual who has inno- vated within the town, bringing a new direction, idea or experience with an impact for years to come (vote open to elected councillors). Organiser Neil Pattison said: “This


will be our fourth awards ceremony and we’re looking forward to meet- ing and celebrating more of the peo- ple who make our town a better place to live.” Online nominations are being


taken until January 11, 2016. If you know someone who deserves an award, go to www.celebratemaid- stone.org.uk. Tickets for the gala evening, priced £35, are also on sale.


Rogue traders target vulnerable


POLICE are urging homeowners in Maidstone to be on their guard and to keep a watchful eye out for vul- nerable neighbours after rogue traders tried to charge an elderly couple £28,000 for work to their roof. Officers are investigating the inci-


dent after a report that the Shepway couple had accepted an offer from three men to clear their gutters for £10. But after starting the work, they informed the couple there was a problem with the roof that would cost £1,000 to fix. The couple paid £200 upfront for materials, but when the men re- turned the next day they warned that the roofwas on the verge of col- lapse and would cost £28,000 to re- place. When the traders’ request for a £5,000 depositwas refused, one of the men is reported to have de- manded £1,000 for the work already


Maidstone South November 2015


carried out, but settled on £600. A roofing expert later confirmed


there was no problem with the house or its roof. Sergeant Tristan Stevens said:


“Most people who call at our homes will be genuine, but sometimes they turn up unannounced and try to ei- ther trick their way inside to steal valuables and money, or offer serv- ices or goods that are nowhere near acceptable. “Rogue traders prey on the elderly


and vulnerable so I would encour- age everyone to be good neighbours and keep an eye on anyone you be- lieve may be at risk.” Anyone in doubt about the cre- dentials of a caller should contact Trading Standards with the vehicle details, company name, contact de- tails and any other information. Before allowing any work to be


carried out it is best to obtain a quote or get a second quote from a recog- nised firm. Sgt Stevens added: “Above all, do


not pay anyone for work before it is carried out, and certainly never go to the bank to draw out cash if a lift is offered by the people who knock on the door.


“Remember that traders must give


you written notice of your right to seven days’ cancellation when agreeing to do work at your home, including work gained from a cold call.” Sign up to the Trading Standards email alert system at www.kent.gov.uk to receive up- dates on the latest scams. Call the Citizens Advice con- sumer service on 03454 040506 to report problems involving sus- pected rogue traders.


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