Date published: 2025-06-18 | Category: Adult Social Care and Health
Bath & North East Somerset Council has confirmed that Newton House, a respite care facility in Bath, will stay open until at least September 2026 and until a provider is chosen to offer respite. This means families caring for loved ones with complex needs can continue to rely on the service.
Since the original announcement in November 2024 that Newton House might close, the council, families and the care provider, Dimensions, have paused those plans and worked together to find other options. A group including family representatives has now recommended that Dimensions continue running the service until a new provider is chosen.
Newton House is currently accepting new referrals for people with complex needs, who require this service following a social care assessment of their needs. It’s the only place in the area that offers overnight respite care for people with complex needs who live with their families. This gives full-time carers a much-needed break.
At a council Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting on 16 June, councillors looked at future options for respite care.
Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “We know how important Newton House is to the families who use it. We are committed to keeping that support going while we work on a long-term plan. We’re grateful to the families and carers who’ve worked with us, and to Dimensions for agreeing to keep the service running until next September. This gives families some peace of mind.
“I also want to reassure everyone that future respite care will stay within Bath and North East Somerset, and that the needs of families will be at the heart of every decision. There won’t be any gaps in support.”
The council panel will meet again in September to look at the timeline for choosing a new provider
The report to the 16 June Children Adults Health and Wellbeing Panel meeting can be found here
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