Families of residents at Ferndale House care home in the Rhondda Valley are expressing dismay over the council’s plan to close the home before the new facility is ready. Concerns have been raised by both families and staff, highlighting fears that vulnerable residents may face adverse consequences if they are relocated before the new home is operational.
Ferndale House is the sole council-run residential care home open in the Rhondda Fach area, leaving the 16 residents, some as old as 95, with the prospect of being moved to accommodation outside the locality. The new facility in Ferndale is still years away from completion, exacerbating the urgency of the situation.
The community’s strong attachment to Ferndale House is evident, with local residents and home staff launching a petition to keep the care home open until the new site is ready. The proactive response saw 2,806 physical signatures and 602 online signatures gathered within just five days.
Individuals such as Pat Lewis, whose 95-year-old mother resides at Ferndale House, voice deep concerns about the potential outcome of moving residents, particularly those with dementia. The emotional toll and disruption it could cause to the residents, staff, and families are significant, with worries that such a move could have catastrophic consequences for the elderly residents.
Staff members at Ferndale House have shared firsthand the distressing impact the closure proposal has had on the residents. Residents have expressed their fear of displacement from their familiar surroundings and disrupted relationships with the staff they have come to rely on for care. The dedication of the staff at Ferndale House and the support they provide are highly valued by the community.
In response to the council’s decision, families like Janet Williams, whose aunt has been a resident at Ferndale House for years, underline the importance of familiarity and continuity of care. They emphasize the positive impact the care home has had on residents’ quality of life, through engaging activities and close relationships with the staff.
RCT Council, however, defends its proposal citing financial constraints and the need for modernising care services. The council acknowledges the concerns raised and pledges to engage with stakeholders during the consultation process. The proposed closure of Ferndale House has sparked a public outcry, with calls for a reconsideration of the decision to ensure the well-being of the residents remain the top priority.
As the community rallies to safeguard the future of Ferndale House, the significance of maintaining a sense of home and community for vulnerable residents is a central theme in the ongoing debate. Residents, families, and staff stand united in their plea to preserve the sanctuary that Ferndale House has provided for its residents for years – a place they fondly call home.