Parklands plans £4 million expansion to boost care provision including in Grantown
Parklands Care Homes has unveiled plans for a £4 million expansion of its care facilities in Grantown and Tain to increase capacity to help meet growing demand.
The Grantown-based firm is proposing a £1.8 million expansion at the Lynemore care home in the town.
The additional is proposed to comprise 10 bedrooms, a dining room, servery, lounge, quiet area, assisted bathroom and staff changing facilities.
In Tain, a £2.2 million two-storey extension at Innis Mhor care home will add 12 new bedrooms along with two dining rooms, assisted bathrooms, serveries and an outdoor terrace.
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The investment comes in response to strong demand for both homes.
Innis Mhor and Lynemore, which opened in 2014 and 2018 respectively, each accommodate 40 residents but have extensive waiting lists.
Subject to planning approval, work is expected to begin this year.
Plans for the Grantown care home have been lodged with Highland Council’s planning service.
The proposed extension at Lynemore will increase the care home occupancy by 10 residents and an additional two staff members will be required on site.
Glasgow-based Planform Architects state in the submission: “Following analysis of constraints of the site and the existing building, it is felt the only viable solution is to link the new wing into the existing central core of communal and back of house facilities.
“This arrangement shall ensure the new residents wing can operate independently as a small-scale group living setting, in accordance with current Care Inspectorate guidance.
“This arrangement shall ensure disturbance to existing residents is minimised and during the construction of the proposed extension.”
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands, said: “These projects represent a significant investment in the future of social care in the Highlands.
“The care sector is under real strain, with more than 200 care home beds lost in the region over the past two years.
“At a time when capacity is shrinking, Parklands is investing in its communities and expanding to meet demand.
“These projects will provide much-needed care places in Tain and Grantown, ensuring more people can access high-quality care in a modern, comfortable environment.
“Both homes are highly sought-after, with extensive waiting lists, reflecting the growing demand for the level of care and comfort we provide.”
Parklands is currently building a new 58 bed care home in Inverness, its largest purpose-built care facility, which is due to open later this spring.
A study by economic consultants MKA Economics found that Parklands currently contributes £27.5 million annually to the Scottish economy, a figure set to rise to more than £41 million by 2028.
Planned investments will also increase care capacity by 60 per cent over the same period.
