Blesma Blackpool Home

Blesma, the Limbless Veterans is at present in a period of consultation with residents and staff at the Blesma Blackpool Home and until that process is complete in August there is no absolute decision on its future.   Whatever happens our highest priority is to ensure residents continue to receive the high quality and affordable care the Blesma Blackpool Home currently provides. Blesma is committed to all of its members for life.

The number of residents at the Blesma Home has been declining at an increasing rate over the past few years.  This is as a result of several factors.  Blesma membership as a whole is decreasing amongst the most senior generation, national health and care policies aim to support people to maintain independence in their own homes for as long as possible, and there is a strong preference to be resident close to family ties.  So, the nature of demand for later life care amongst the membership is changing markedly.  The Blesma Board of Trustees are keen that the Association is proactive in taking account of this change, for the benefit of the membership as a whole.       

Regrettably, our research points to a further decline in demand for the Blesma Home in Blackpool from Blesma Members and continuing operation of the Home is becoming unsustainable for Blesma on its own, particularly when seen from the point of view of the membership as a whole.  We have recently sought collaboration with other charities but none have been willing to partner. 

The Trustees believe Blesma should concentrate on the individual character of need, and be precise in the relief of hardship and distress amongst the whole of the elder membership, nationally.  Concurrent with the consultation, the Trustees have made the decision to launch a major investment in the distribution of grants, particularly for the most infirm and those in later life, to increase support to maintaining independence at home.  This will meet the new form of demand for later life care across the Association as a whole.         

We believe that our proposals will be fairer, more efficient and sustainable – for all our Members, not just those tied to the North West and currently in the Home. 

Our staff at Blackpool have contributed significantly with loyal and caring service, in many cases over a significant period and Blesma is also committed to ensuring that the consultation process will take into account their views and ideas, meeting all statutory requirements and more. 

Should you wish please feel free to email Blesma od@blesma.org or call 0208 590 1124.