After 40-years on the Rohais, the Guernsey Cheshire Home could be moving if a new location can be found that better serves its residents.
The Board of Directors for the charity run Home is looking to speak with land and property owners that may be able to help, as they start to explore options for a potential new, purpose-built property.
The initiative is a part of a new “long-term vision” for the Cheshire Home which the Board said will not affect the day-to-day operations of the current facility, which will continue to run as normal.
Since 1987, the Cheshire Home has operated out of Shorncliffe on the Rohais in St Peter Port, with the facility currently providing residential care for 11 people full-time.
There is also additional space for respite visitors, and support for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, motor neurone disease, and the long-term effects of accidents.
The Guernsey Cheshire Home also provides specialist medical support from registered nurses and posture specialists.
It has a fleet of accessible vehicles to ensure all of its full-time residents and visitors can maintain social lives and attend appointments.
Chairman of the Cheshire Home, Rob Shepherd said all of these things need to be considered before any potential move.
Mr Shepherd said Shorncliffe has been at the very heart of the charity’s work since 1987, but care standards and resident needs have changed significantly over that time.
“Our priority has always been, and will always be, our residents,” he said. “We want to ensure they continue to receive not only the very best care, but that they do so in a home that is truly fit for purpose.
“A great deal has changed in the 40 years we have called Shorncliffe home, both in terms of care standards and the needs of those we support. We also know there are more people in our community who could benefit from our services, but within our current premises we are limited in what we can provide.”
The charity believes a new purpose built Home could help it serve more people in the community as well as the residents, as the staff are currently limited by the capacity of the existing premises.
“This is very much a vision for the future,” said Mr Shepherd. “Our current Home will continue unaffected, and residents will continue to receive the same high level of care they do today. We are exploring several different options, but it would be remiss of us not to reach out to the wider community.
“You never know what opportunities may come to light, and these conversations could play an important role in shaping an exciting next chapter for the Cheshire Home. By looking to the future now, we are taking responsible steps to ensure the Home can continue to support islanders for decades to come.”