Families of residents at Ferndale House care home in the Rhondda Valley are outraged by the council’s decision to close the facility before a new home is ready for them. Concerns have been raised by both families and staff, who fear that relocating the vulnerable residents could have fatal consequences. As the last council-run residential care home in the area, the closure would force the 16 elderly residents, some as old as 95, to move to alternative accommodation outside the Rhondda Fach, with the new facility not expected to be ready for “years”.
The local community is rallying behind the campaign to keep Ferndale House open until the new site is operational. Within just five days of the closure proposal being announced, a petition garnered 2,806 physical signatures and 602 online signatures in support of maintaining Ferndale House’s operations. Concerned family members like Pat Lewis, whose 95-year-old mother has dementia and has resided at Ferndale House for six months, are expressing their anxieties about the potentially detrimental effects of uprooting the residents.
Staff members, such as Carly Harries and Louren Williams, have also shared their distress at the thought of the residents being forced to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and faces. The emotional impact on the individuals, their families, and the staff is evident, with concerns about the potential consequences of such a significant change. Local residents stress the importance of the familial atmosphere at Ferndale House, emphasising that many residents have lived in the area their whole lives and are cared for by familiar faces.
Despite the council’s assertion that the closure is necessary due to financial reasons and a shift towards modern care standards, the community and staff members remain committed to fighting for the residents’ well-being. Councillors have expressed their disappointment at the proposed closure, highlighting previous assurances that Ferndale House would not shut down before the new facility was operational. The upcoming eight-week consultation period will provide an opportunity for residents, families, staff, and the public to voice their opinions on the matter.
Ultimately, the heart-wrenching stories and strong community support for Ferndale House underscore the deep connections and sense of belonging that the care home provides for its residents and staff. As the consultations progress, the well-being and quality of life of the vulnerable individuals at the centre of this issue remain the focal point of the ongoing discussions and decisions surrounding the future of Ferndale House.