Care home in Pontypridd will close despite ‘human cost being immeasurable’

A care home in Pontypridd is set to close despite the concerns raised by local councillors and the public. The decision to close Cae Glas care home in Hawthorn was made by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council’s cabinet on January 22. The council stated that the care home had not been at full capacity for some time and was financially unsustainable. However, local councillor Cathy Lisles passionately argued for the home to remain open, emphasising the deep connections residents have with the facility. She highlighted that for many residents, the care home is not just a place for receiving care but is their actual home. The closure would disrupt their sense of community, familiar routines, and security, which are priceless to them.
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Councillor Lisles raised concerns about the potential devastating effects moving can have on the physical and mental well-being of elderly residents. She also pointed out the impact on the local staff who are highly skilled in catering to residents’ unique needs. The closure would not only affect the residents and staff but also place additional burdens on family members, as alternative care facilities are already operating at or near full capacity. Despite the financial appeal of the closure, Councillor Lisles stressed that the human cost would be immeasurable. The staff at Cae Glas feel that the data used to justify the closure overlooks the period when the home needed additional support, skewing the perception of its performance.
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Councillor Gareth Caple, the cabinet member for health and social care, acknowledged the sensitivity of the decision, noting the emotional response it evoked from the public. He explained that the move was made in the context of declining general residential care demand, indicating an excess of beds and financial constraints. The closure of Cae Glas is anticipated to save the council approximately £1.164 million. The council’s review of residential care home provision identified a surplus of beds and emphasized the need to match resources with future demands effectively.

The consultation process revealed significant opposition to the closure, with the majority of respondents disagreeing with the proposal. Concerns were raised about the impact on residents’ well-being, accessibility to alternative placements, and the rationale behind the decision. Despite the opposition, the council highlighted the need to allocate resources effectively to meet the care needs of all residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The closure of Cae Glas would proceed once suitable alternative accommodation is secured for current residents that aligns with their assessed needs. The council recognized the expertise of the staff at Cae Glas and the potential loss to the social care sector if their skills were not retained.

In conclusion, the decision to close Cae Glas care home in Pontypridd highlights the complex balance between financial sustainability and human impact in social care provision. The closure has sparked emotional responses from the community, underlining the deep-rooted connections and concerns for the well-being of the residents. It underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in managing care facilities amidst changing demographics and financial constraints. The ultimate aim remains to ensure that the care needs of the elderly population are met effectively, while acknowledging the invaluable role that dedicated staff play in providing quality care.