CONCERNS about a lack of supply of care accommodation in Jersey and bed-blocking at the General Hospital have been cited by a company seeking to expand one of its homes.
LV Group has applied for planning permission to build seven flats at St Joseph’s in St John’s Road in what the company hopes will be the first phase of a project that could eventually include more than 40 units.
As part of its application, LV has pointed out in a supporting document that St Joseph’s is currently operating at full capacity and cited a wider issue facing the Island.
“Despite being a key requirement for older adults, a support framework facility is not available and left out of the important transitional step between expensive full-time residential care and living at home unassisted,” the company stated.
“This, in part, has led to a social care supply crisis with all current care homes at maximum capacity, with substantial waiting lists.
“The General Hospital currently has over 40 patients ‘bed-blocking’ who are fit enough for discharge but cannot return home as no care is available.”
LV added that the proposed scheme, which comprises a two-bedroom unit and six one-bedroom flats, would begin to alleviate the pressures on the system and assist older Islanders to maintain their independence.
The company believes that by increasing the supply of care accommodation, more people would move out of larger homes which would then potentially be available for families and improve the amount of suitable accommodation for younger Islanders.
In March 2023 LV submitted a pre-application document covering a 44-unit scheme. As part of the current application, the company stated that it has incorporated feedback from the Planning Department to its 2023 submission with regard to design appearance and scale by submitting what it describes as “an imaginative, inspiring and innovative proposal that will not impact the skyline”.
St Joseph’s is one of five care homes operated by LV, with the company acquiring the Jeanne Jugan home from the Little Sisters of the Poor in December 2019.
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