Council mulls plan to close 'loving' dementia home

Carol Peckham says she fears her mother Iris Ford (pictured) may not survive a move to a new care home

Plans to close a care home for elderly people with dementia are to be discussed by West Sussex County Council (WSCC).

A report to councillors has claimed the cost of work needed to bring the New Tyne care home in Worthing up to an "acceptable standard" means it is not financially viable.

But the 13 residents of New Tyne say they are devastated, and the daughter of 104-year-old Iris Ford says the trauma of moving her mother to a new facility could be fatal.

The council's health and adult social care scrutiny committee will discuss the home's future with Amanda Jupp, WSCC cabinet member for adult services, having the final say on whether New Tyne will close.

In July last year, the council said it would begin outsourcing its elderly residential care, rather than providing it.

It also said running New Tyne costs more than paying for beds in a like-for-like residential setting, and that closing the facility would save approximately £460,000 each year.

A council spokesperson said: "We have been communicating directly with families, staff and their representatives throughout this process and the scrutiny meeting provides a forum for scrutiny members to discuss and debate the proposal."

'Disgusting'

The WSCC spokesperson said: "Any decision by [Ms Jupp] will take into account the feedback received.

"We will continue to engage with those affected to ensure that any transition is handled with care, dignity and support."

But that has done little to address concerns from residents and their families, who say closing the "loving" New Tyne "is just not right".

Iris Ford's daughter, Carol Peckham, said: "My mother is 104, soon to be 105, she has been there for 14 years.

"If you move her now, I'm sure that is going to be her end."

Many families said they felt guilt at putting their loved ones in a home because of previous facilities they had visited New Tyne.

Keith Powell, whose wife Sue is at the home, said: "She was in another home before she went to New Tyne and it was terrible, the care was non-existent.

"Considering New Tyne is the only dementia home that West Sussex County Council owns, I think it's disgusting that they're even considering it."

A support worker at the care home has created a petition urging the council to reconsider its plans.

A decision on the care home's future is expected in October.