Decision to close care homes prompts criticism by MPS (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Decision to close care homes prompts criticism by MPS

1:00pm Friday 5th February 2010

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A CONTROVERSIAL plan to close four care homes across Redcar and Cleveland has been approved by councillors.

Starting next month, the scheme will involve 30 elderly residents moved into private sector accommodation despite concerns from some residents’ families.

A 1,313-name petition opposing the plans to close two of the homes – Luke Senior House, in Park Lane, Guisborough, and Kiltondale, Newbury Road, Brotton – was handed to the council .

But the council’s cabinet members were unmoved by the plea and its proposal to replace the homes with two extra care housing facilities, which enable people to live in their own homes longer, and two specialist dementia homes, was approved unanimously.

Residents in Guisborough and Brotton are angry that the decision was taken despite objections.

Janice Lawson, of Guisborough, said: “I can’t believe that the council is closing these homes. I know they are planning to move the residents into private accommodation but it will be very difficult for some of them.”

Care worker Angela Waites said: “I work with elderly people, not at any of these homes, but I know that once an elderly person is settled they find it difficult to move to a different home.”

Speaking at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Coun Helen McLuckie, cabinet member for health and social wellbeing, said: “It has been a very anxious time for residents, families and staff, and this decision has not been taken lightly.”

The other two homes due to close are: Wheatacres, Low Farm Drive, Redcar, and The Meadows, Allendale Road, Spencerbeck, Ormesby.

The borough’s two MPs – Redcar’s Vera Baird and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland’s Ashok Kumar – had hit out at the proposals.

Dr Kumar said: “I think this is a very bad decision. All the families seem to be totally against the closure and decanting of residents option.

“We have put forward other proposals that will hopefully protect the residents from being moved. It seems a pity that it doesn’t look like they are being investigated “I expect residents and families will be greatly concerned by this decision and I expect that concern to grow.”

The Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Redcar, Ian Swales, said: “The Labour-led council has dithered around for far too long on this issue, causing uncertainty and stress for residents, their families and staff.

“The council has already introduced a £25 charge for day care centres, deterring people from attending. Now it’s clear that it intends to close all its elderly care homes.

“The council’s consultation was inadequate and offered very limited options. It only examined two possibilities.

“Clearly the current situation cannot carry on, and some of the homes have to close. However, it is the council’s duty to provide a safety net for care for those who need it.”

Loftus Town Council also submitted a letter of objection stating: “Loftus Town Council deplores the proposal to close the residential care homes, and urges the cabinet to seek another, more suitable option.”

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