Understanding demand - Location and need
Warwickshire continues to see investment in older people’s care provision, with several new residential and nursing homes opening across the county. While this growth is encouraging, it is important to note that few new beds are available at more affordable weekly rates. Nor are all new homes able to care for people with advancing dementia. This trend introduces complexity into the local authority’s ability to forecast future demand and plan effectively for care capacity and highlights a mismatch between new supply and the needs of those who rely on publicly funded care.
There is therefore a recognised need to stimulate the development of provision that is more affordable and accessible, as well as services that cater for specific needs such as dementia care. Without this, there is a risk that future capacity will not be aligned to local demand, particularly for residents who are eligible for local authority support.
Recent data highlights both strengths and areas for attention across the county. For example, Rugby and North Warwickshire show strong provision in terms of beds per 1,000 residents aged 65+, particularly in residential care (Rugby: 23.06) and nursing care (North Warwickshire: 22.19). In contrast, Stratford and Nuneaton & Bedworth have lower bed ratios, especially in nursing care (Nuneaton & Bedworth: 9.48), which may indicate potential undersupply or barriers to access.
To address these challenges, Warwickshire County Council is committed to fostering stronger collaboration with care providers. By working closely together, the council aims to shape the market to better meet the diverse needs of older residents, including encouraging a broader range of provision that balances private and publicly funded care. This includes ensuring that care provision is not only sufficient in quantity but also accessible, affordable, and responsive to changing demographics, preferences, and levels of need.