Despair of Leeds families impacted by home closing

RELATIVES OF residents at Leeds care home Donisthorpe Hall are expressing frustration and resignation as their loved ones are rehoused following the home’s sudden decision to close, having struggled to fill vacancies.

“We’ve had to accept it,” said one man whose 94-year old mother has transferred to a non-Jewish facility after more than five years at Donisthorpe.

Most Jewish residents had found alternative accommodation, although it was more difficult for those with greater clinical needs, he suggested.

The relative also complained of a lack of support from Donisthorpe, or any other communal organisation, claiming: “Apart from the social worker, I’ve not had any contact with anybody.” He added that for families, there was “nobody to moan and groan to apart from each other”.

With the closest Jewish residential home in Manchester, the man was “disappointed” at having to relocate his mother to a non-Jewish setting, although she did have access to kosher food.

Donisthorpe administrator David

Wilson said the property had been put on the market without an asking price due to the “level of interest”.

Sale proceeds would be used to pay off creditors and any surplus would be transferred to “another charity, with similar aims”.

Residents were gradually being moved to alternative accommodation in conjunction with Leeds City Council, Mr Wilson confirmed.

“At this stage, it is not yet possible to forecast when the closure process will be completed as it is very much dependent on the availability at other homes.

“Staff numbers are gradually being reduced with all leaving staff moving into other jobs elsewhere.”

It is not yet possible to forecast when the closure will be completed ’