Cabinet approves proposals to modernise inhouse adult social care services
11 November 2026
People who use West Northamptonshire Council's directly-provided adult care services, along with their families and carers, will be at the heart of the journey to modernise them over the coming years.
At its meeting this week (Tuesday, 10 November), the Council's Cabinet approved a series of proposals to reshape its day services, supported living provision for adults with disabilities, and residential care at Obelisk House and Southfields House.
The decision was described as ‘difficult and deeply sensitive’ by councillors who recognised the strength of feeling and anxiety around the proposals for the services, which are used by up 250 people and their families in West Northamptonshire.
Reshaping the services will place a greater emphasis on helping people develop life skills, build confidence and increase their independence through support within their local communities, while continuing to provide the safe, flexible and person-centred support that people value and which adapts to their changing needs.
Cabinet’s decision this week followed a 12-week consultation engaging users, their families, staff and partner organisations and encouraging them to give their views. The Council recognises that the proposals will be worrying for some residents, families and staff and will provide individual support sensitively throughout the process, with decisions about future care based on each person's needs and circumstances.
Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We recognise this is a difficult and a deeply sensitive decision, which Cabinet has considered very carefully and made in the best interests of those who use these services now and in the future. Our focus is on making sure people can access the right care and support, in the right setting, both now and in the future. We know this news will be worrying for some residents and families, and our priority now is to work closely with every person affected to make sure they receive the support, information and reassurance they need.
“There is now a greater focus on supporting people to live independently for as long as possible and demand for support for people with the most complex needs continues to grow. A review of current services has shown the residential services do not meet modern standards for care environments and would require substantial and lengthy refurbishments to bring them up to standard.
“These changes will be carefully managed and based on individual needs. We will continue to listen to residents and families, involve them in decisions about their future care, and support them every step of the way.”
A summary of the proposed changes is as follows:
Day services
Proposals to reshape day services will see a greater focus on supporting people with the highest and most complex needs by retaining and strengthening specialist provision at Gladstone Road. The service provision that previously operated from Olympus House will be relocated to and consolidated at Gladstone Road. To support the consolidation a programme of minor improvements has been identified and will be carried out.
People will be supported to access opportunities in their local communities that support independence, build confidence and provide safe, flexible and adaptable care. This will result in services at The Forum in Towcester, Longlands in Daventry and Olympus House ceasing, with services currently provided from Olympus House relocating to Gladstone Road. The LIVE Community and Enablement Service will remain unchanged, including its operation from No. 2 Abington Park Cottages.
Supported living for adults with disabilities
There are currently 23 people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs are supported across Eleanor Lodge and two additional shared living properties and community-based support packages.
Eleanor Lodge has limited accessibility, relies on shared facilities and does not reflect modern standards for supported living. The new plans will support Eleanor Lodge service users to move into alternative supported living or community-based arrangements that can better support greater independence, choice and personalised care in more modern settings.
Southfields House and Obelisk House residential care
Southfields House and Obelisk House provide residential and dementia care for older people and adults with physical disabilities and complex support needs, offering both permanent and respite care for up to 44 people at each home.
A phased closure of both homes will be carried out over a period of up to 24 months, with residents supported to identify and move to suitable alternative accommodation following a needs assessment.
Both buildings are more than 40 years old and no longer meet modern standards for care environments. Neither home has en-suite bedrooms and both are significantly limited in terms of wheelchair access, hoisting, privacy and dementia-friendly design, which affects the ability to support people with increasingly complex needs.
Bringing the buildings up to current standards would require substantial investment, prolonged closure during refurbishment works resulting in severe disruption for residents who would need to vacate the building while works took place and would lead to a reduction in the number of available beds when the facilities re-opened.