Council Apologises After Care Home Closure Reports Left Residents and Families Feeling “Blindsided”
Westmorland and Furness Council has apologised over the way news about the possible future of two Cumbrian care homes became public.
The issue relates to Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere and Grisedale Croft Care Home in Alston. Both homes are now subject to formal consultation, with closure among the options being considered.
Concerns were raised after reports about the homes’ future emerged before some residents, families and staff had been fully informed. The council has accepted that the way the information came out caused distress.
Two Care Homes Under Review
The council’s Cabinet agreed on April 21, 2026, to begin formal public consultations on the future of both homes.
The homes are:
- Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere
- Grisedale Croft Care Home in Alston
The council says no final decision has been made. The consultation is being used to gather views before any outcome is decided.
Options being considered include keeping the homes open, refurbishment, rebuilding, or closure.
Why the Council Is Reviewing the Homes
Council reports say both homes face serious challenges.
These include:
- buildings that no longer meet modern care standards
- low or falling occupancy
- staffing pressures
- high running costs
- the need to look at future care needs across the area
Applethwaite Green is a 27-bed care home and had 15 permanent residents when the council report was considered.
Grisedale Croft has 13 bedrooms and had three permanent residents. The building is more than 50 years old and is said to have gone beyond its original planned life.
Concerns Over How the News Came Out
The council has faced criticism because some people affected by the proposals are said to have found out through public reports rather than direct communication.
This caused anger and worry among residents, relatives, staff and local communities.
The council has now apologised for the way the process was handled. It said it understands that people felt “blindsided” and that this was extremely unfortunate.
For many families, the issue is not only the possibility of closure. It is also about how news involving people’s homes, care and jobs was shared.
Consultation Now Under Way
The consultation will run for 12 weeks.
During this time, residents, families, staff and the wider community will be able to share their views.
The council says residents will be supported to take part. Advocacy will also be available where needed.
Staff are also expected to be kept updated, with trade unions involved during the process.
Different Issues at Each Home
The council has set out different factors for each care home.
For Applethwaite Green in Windermere, the council says there are other residential homes nearby. A report said there are 12 alternative homes rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission within 16 miles.
For Grisedale Croft in Alston, the position is more complex. The council says there is little alternative provision in the local area. Because of this, one option being explored is finding suitable alternative accommodation nearby if a suitable building can be found.
Council Says No Final Decision Has Been Made
Westmorland and Furness Council has stressed that no final decision has been taken.
It says the consultation is about listening to people, understanding the impact of each option and making sure any future decision is based on evidence and personal experiences.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, has previously said the homes are “people’s homes and places of work, not just buildings”.
She said any future decision must focus on people’s wellbeing, dignity and safety.
Final Decision Expected Later in 2026
After the consultation ends, feedback will be reviewed.
A final decision on the future of the two care homes is expected later in 2026.
Until then, the council says residents and staff will continue to receive support, and the safety and wellbeing of residents will remain the priority.
