The future of Ferndale House, a council-run residential care home in the Rhondda Fach, hangs in the balance as Rhondda Cyon Taf Council considers its closure. The proposal has left elderly residents in tears, fearing that their world will crumble if they are forced to move. With 16 vulnerable residents facing possible relocation and 45 staff members at risk of redeployment or redundancy, the community is rallying to save the beloved care home.
During an emotional visit to the home, WalesOnline heard firsthand the heart-wrenching stories of residents who consider Ferndale House their family. The deep bonds and sense of belonging shared amongst the residents and staff are evident, with many expressing their love for the home and resistance to the idea of leaving. Despite the uncertainty looming over them, residents like 93-year-old Joyce Morris and 87-year-old Alice Mair Nokes are adamant about their desire to stay at Ferndale House, describing it as a place where they feel happy and cared for.
Family members of the residents also voiced their concerns, emphasising the impact that a closure would have on their loved ones. Jackie Hughes, whose mother has Alzheimer’s, described the devastating effect of uprooting residents who had built strong connections with each other and the staff at the home. The fear of losing this supportive community is palpable among both residents and their families, who worry about the potential consequences of such a significant change, especially for those with dementia.
The staff at Ferndale House are praised for their dedication and the exceptional level of care they provide to the residents. Families highlighted the staff’s commitment to going above and beyond, often volunteering for extra shifts to ensure the well-being of the residents. Despite the challenges faced by the care home, the staff members remain steadfast in their mission to support and protect the residents they have come to consider family.
As the community unites in a bid to save Ferndale House, the council has emphasised the need to consider the long-term sustainability of adult care services. While acknowledging the quality of care provided by the staff, the council cites financial pressures and the evolving demands of care provisions as factors driving the proposal for closure. The consultation period allows stakeholders and the public to contribute their feedback before any final decisions are made regarding the future of the home.
In the face of uncertainty, the residents, staff, and families of Ferndale House stand resolute in their fight to preserve the place they call home. The sense of loss and devastation at the prospect of closure is a testament to the profound impact this care home has had on the lives of those it serves. The community’s plea to save Ferndale House echoes far beyond its walls, resonating with a shared belief in the importance of compassion, continuity, and the bonds that create a sense of belonging for the most vulnerable among us.