3 days ago
Nottingham care home residents 'crying their eyes out' after council pulls services
Dozens of residents at a care home in Nottingham say they are enduring sleepless nights after the city council decided to pull funding for vital care. People living in Seagrave Court, Bilborough will no longer receive 'extra care' services, which includes round-the-clock carers on site.
It is one of five assisted living accommodations that will be affected by the change across the city. Nottingham City Council said the decision was part of its move from extra care provision to a 'home care' model.
This means instead of 24/7 care on site, provided through Housing 21, carers will visit through a new external provider. "The whole thing is absolutely disgusting. This place has been beautiful and smoothly run for some considerable time," said resident Bob Jarvis.
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The 90-year-old raised concerns that if he suffered a fall during the night, it could take hours to receive help. "We have care 24 hours a day. If I have a fall, what happens is I press an alarm button which immediately rings a telephone with one of the carers here," he said.
"The management is helpful and caring. That's the biggest thing. We're unique. We have a wonderful system that works.
"The crux of it is [the city council] are trying to save money. We've got elderly residents crying their eyes out.
"We're absolutely fuming about it but we're not going down without a fight."
Jean and Ray Essex are also outraged about the decision, having given up their three-bed bungalow to move to Seagrave just three months ago. The couple decided on the flat after Mr Essex, 76, suffered four strokes and underwent brain surgery.
"He doesn't need care at the moment, but will do as his health is getting worse," said Mrs Essex. "He's 76 and he didn't want to be in a nursing home and I thought if anything happens to me then he would be safe. But it's not working out like that."
The 81-year-old added: "We can't sleep at night because I'm so worried about what's going to happen to Ray. It's disgusting what they've done. They've taken money away from elderly people that need the care. Everybody is so lovely in here and it's run like clockwork.
"I don't feel safe at all. I'd love to stay here. It's a little place for us, our little palace."
At 65 years old, Joanne Thrower is the baby of Seagrave. She also acts as an ambassador for residents, so has had an insight into their outrage. "People are shocked and mortified. They will also lose a lot of activities and social events," she said.
"There are married couples here. If one needs more care and needs to go into a home, you're basically splitting that couple up.
"It's absolutely disgusting." Winwood Heights, Albany House, Lark Hill and Woodvale will also be affected by the withdrawal.
In a joint statement, Nottingham City Council and Housing 21 said: "Nottingham City Council and Housing 21 remain in close discussion and are working together to finalise a future service delivery that is as close to Extra Care as possible, including the provision of an on-site night service. Through these discussions, it has been agreed there will be one sole care provider to deliver care to residents.
"We recognise the positive relationship that residents at Seagrave Court have with Care Workers. We are working to support them in transferring to the new provider to ensure continuity of care. Discussions are ongoing to ensure the best possible outcome for residents."
