A SETTLE elderly persons' home could be developed into an "extra care" complex.

North Yorkshire County Council has begun discussions on modernising the way the elderly are cared for in the Settle area, with the focus on the Lower Greenfoot elderly persons' home.

Extra care schemes consist of a number of one and two bedroom flats, but with the kind of care provided in residential care homes. They also provide a range of communal and specialist facilities with high levels of support, from a dedicated team of staff based on site, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Lower Greenfoot, which will not be closed, could be altered and expanded, or a complex could be purpose-built. However, this is a feasibility study at this stage and nothing has yet been decided.

Coun Shelagh Marshall, the county council's executive member for social services said: "Together with the district council, Abbeyfields, which has some sheltered housing next door to Lower Greenfoot, and Yorkshire Housing, we have started to discuss the possibility of providing an extra care scheme at the Lower Greenfoot site, either by adapting/converting the present building or with a new purpose-built development.

"Discussions are at a very early stage, but we want to ensure we keep the residents, relatives and staff of Lower Greenfoot, and the local community generally, as up to date as possible.

"We particularly want to consult about the possible Extra Care development providing a modern, state-of-the-art replacement for the elderly persons' home, while ensuring all of the services on offer at the home are still provided.

"We have already met staff and will be arranging further opportunities to meet residents and relatives over the coming months to keep people informed and involved," said Coun Marshall.

Staff at Lower Greenfoot feel the proposal is a positive move forward.

County Care operations manager for Craven North, Janet Boadle, said: "It would move from a residential setting where people have a lounge and their own bedroom, to people being able to have their own little flat and County Care staff still providing the care.

"Lower Greenfoot is very nice, but this would move it one step on. People want en suite, which we don't have, and care standards say we need bigger rooms.

"It would promote people's independence and give them their own little place, provide all the services we already do, but in a different way," said Mrs Boadle, who stressed Lower Greenfoot was not going to close.

A display board at the home shows examples of extra care accommodation elsewhere.

Lower Greenfoot currently has 28 permanent residents and four rooms for short term and respite stays, cared for by 36 members of staff. It also has a day centre with 20 places offering a wide range of activities.

Settle's county councillor Beth Graham welcomed the idea.

"My proposal to put the extra care facilities on Lower Greenfoot with the social services, Craven District Council and Abbeyfields working together is coming to fruition. Abbeyfields is run by local volunteers, people local to Settle. However, I don't approve of the privatisation of public services whether it's Railtrack, county highways or extra care.

"If only we could have a new cottage hospital run by the new primary care trust somewhere in the vicinity. Then we would be well away," she said.

Anyone wanting more information should call Robin Hargreave on 01729 822973.