Fears for pensioners as care homes set to close Future uncertain for residents as dozens of jobs now at risk
THE future of more than 150 elderly residents has been thrown into doubt after the closure of three Birmingham care homes was announced.
Dozens of jobs are also at risk with the axing of Heath House, in Kings Norton, Ivyhouse, in West Heath and Oaklands, in Moseley.
There are 162 members of staff working within the three homes and it understood a significant number could now lose their posts.
Other members of staff could be transferred to other Four Seasons Care homes based in the Black Country and wider West Midlands.
The care company is in consultation with Birmingham City Council about finding new homes for the 156 elderly sites.
Terry McBride, whose 81-year-old mother Nancy is in Heath House, said: “My mother has only been there two months but loves the home. The staff are all absolutely lovely and she is devastated about the closure.
“One man has been here 25 years and you can imagine how upset he is. I feel terribly sorry for the staff here who will lose their jobs. They are all such lovely carers.”
The company is in a consultation process with the staff and unions about the proposed closures.
Rachael Junge, regional managing director of Four Seasons, said: “The proposal to cease operating these homes has not been arrived at easily but we think it is unavoidable based on a combination of factors.
“Each of the homes is operating at a loss and has been for some time. residents living in the three The number of residents living in each home is well below its capacity.
“Additionally, both Oaklands and Heath House would require a very substantial investment to re-shape and modernise them to the standards we expect and we cannot justify this given their current and projected low levels of occupancy.
“In the case of Ivyhouse, there have been difficulties with recruiting and retaining nurses and care assistants of the right calibre and staff changes have led to challenges with maintaining care quality to the standards we expect all of our homes to provide.
“The wellbeing of residents is our priority and we will work closely with Birmingham City Council’s Social Services team to ensure the residents and their families are supported to find suitable alternative placements.
“We hope they will choose to move to another of our homes in the area, although it is entirely their choice.”
Alan Lotinga, service director for adult care and housing options for Birmingham City Council, said: “We will offer support to all residents, ensuring the appropriate responsible authorities are contacted and assessments completed.
“Social workers will be assigned to the homes and will establish a dropin surgery service to assist residents and relatives.”
One man has been here 25 years and you can imagine how upset he is Resident’s son Terry McBride