A daughter has expressed her deep concerns over the potential closure of a care home, which could force her 86-year-old mother to leave the area. Gaynor Lucas Roberts shared her worries about her mother, Joyce Jenkins, who currently resides at Cae Glas care home in Hawthorn, a facility that Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council is considering shutting down. Gaynor revealed that the decision to enter a consultation period to close the home came as a shock to her family, as well as to other families, friends, and staff associated with the care home.
According to the council, the home has been operating below full capacity for some time and is not financially viable. They stated that the home would close once alternative accommodation meeting residents’ assessed needs was secured. However, Gaynor emphasised the importance of showing care for the elderly population, highlighting that a significant percentage of RCT residents are over 65 years old. She expressed concerns about residents’ ability to participate in the consultation process, stating that decisions are often made for them without their input, leading to what she described as eviction from their homes.
Gaynor revealed that her family holds power of attorney for her mother’s health and wellbeing and will advocate on her behalf. Joyce, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, requires specialised care due to her conditions. Gaynor detailed the challenges her mother faced while trying to live independently with home care, which eventually led to hospitalisations and significant health issues. The family decided to move Joyce to Cae Glas for better care, proximity to family, and a familiar environment, which had a positive impact on her overall wellbeing and family interactions.
The prospect of relocating residents to other care homes outside the area raised concerns for Gaynor and other families, as they feared it would disrupt important relationships and negatively impact residents’ quality of life. Gaynor emphasised the importance of residents feeling part of the community and having a sense of belonging, which moving them away could jeopardise. She stressed that health and wellbeing encompass more than just meeting care needs and underlined the significance of being close to loved ones in a place that feels like home.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council acknowledged the anxiety and worry among those affected by the potential closure of Cae Glas care home. The council assured that decisions regarding the home’s future would involve a consultation process and an equality impact assessment before any final determinations were made. They pledged to engage closely with individuals affected by the proposals to address their concerns and incorporate their feedback in decision-making processes.
The fate of Cae Glas care home remains uncertain, leaving families like Gaynor’s apprehensive about the potential consequences of uprooting elderly residents from their familiar environment. The ongoing discussions and consultations will determine the future of the care home and its residents, highlighting the challenges facing the elderly care sector and the need for compassionate and community-centric solutions.