Rhondda Care Home to Remain Open Until New Facility Ready
A decision has been made by the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) cabinet to keep Ferndale House, a care home in Ferndale, open until a new care home is constructed in the area. The council initially considered closing Ferndale House due to it not meeting modern care standards and facing financial challenges from low resident numbers. However, Councillor Gareth Caple proposed to keep Ferndale House operational until the new facility in Rhondda Fach is operational before decommissioning the old home.
Local councillors Jayne Smith and Susan Morgans voiced their support for keeping Ferndale House open to maintain continuity of care and support for residents and staff. Cllr Smith highlighted the importance of considering residents’ mental health and emotional well-being, emphasizing the value of community participation in the decision-making process. Cllr Morgans stressed the need to retain experienced staff and resources, expressing concerns about potential disruptions caused by premature closure.
Addressing concerns about misinformation, Councillor Andrew Morgan clarified that the construction of the new care home is progressing as planned and dismissed claims of privatization. The council’s review of residential care home provision identified an oversupply of beds, but emphasized the need to balance residents’ views with the council’s resource allocation for quality care services. Despite challenges in maintaining occupancy levels and high unit costs, the decision to keep Ferndale House open was welcomed by the community.
The consultation process revealed strong opposition to closing Ferndale House, with the majority expressing distress over potential impacts on residents’ well-being and limited access to alternative placements. Amid financial pressures and changing care needs, the council aims to ensure adequate care provision while honoring commitments to residents and staff. The decision to extend the operational period of Ferndale House reflects a commitment to prioritizing residents’ care over financial considerations.
Concerns about staffing, respite care, and transportation logistics were also highlighted during the decision-making process. Councillors advocating for the continued operation of Ferndale House emphasized the importance of experienced staff and seamless transitions for residents. The decision to retain the care home until the new facility is operational aligns with efforts to safeguard residents’ well-being and ensure a smooth transition to the new care environment.
Moving forward, the council will focus on completing the new care home construction project by 2028, with plans to enhance dementia care capacity and align service provisions with evolving care needs. By maintaining Ferndale House as a vital resource for the community, the council aims to uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality care services and supporting residents’ well-being. The decision underscores the importance of community engagement and collaborative decision-making in shaping the future of care provisions in Rhondda.
In conclusion, the decision to keep Ferndale House open until the new care facility is operational reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing care needs, financial sustainability, and community expectations. The council’s commitment to prioritizing residents’ well-being and continuity of care underscores the importance of responsive and inclusive decision-making in the delivery of care services. With a focus on enhancing care provisions and supporting staff and residents through the transition, Rhondda Cynon Taf aims to ensure a seamless and effective care environment for the community.