Cabinet confirms old people's homes closure

I have received the following statement from the Council this morning:

Cabinet met on 19th July 2011 to consider the proposal to close Broadwater Lodge, Cranwood and The Red House Older People’s residential care homes and Whitehall Street for adults with learning disabilities.

We regret to inform you that following careful consideration and much sadness Cabinet decided to close the homes.

We very much regret that we have been forced to take these decisions as a result of unprecedented government imposed cuts.

We are really sorry if this was not the decision you were hoping for.

We will be meeting shortly with users, relatives and carers to discuss what happens next.  We know this is an anxious and potentially upsetting time for residents but until we can meet face to face please rest assured that the homes are not due to close until 2012 (Whitehall Street) and 2013 (Broadwater Lodge, Cranwood and The Red House).  Residents at care homes affected by the closures, and their families, will be given every possible support in identifying another suitable care home to move to.  This will be handled in a careful, humane and sensitive manner with plenty of time to consider an appropriate placement - thereby minimising distress and disruption to a person’s care.

Please be assured that anyone receiving respite care will continue to receive respite care, a full assessment and review of their care plan, and an alternative, high quality residential placement found which fully meets both theirs and the needs of their carer - in terms of both quality and appropriate geographical location.

We would like to reiterate that vulnerable adults assessed as needing a service will continue to receive such a service which the Council will buy for them. We are working hard with other providers, notably in the voluntary and independent sectors, to ensure that vulnerable adults continue to receive the care they require.