Anger over 'greedy' decision to close care home

The care home operator said the closure would "enable investment"

A care home in Cornwall is to close, leaving more than 30 elderly people in Cornwall in need of new accommodation.

Retirement Villages Group (RVG) said the closure of the home on the Roseland Parc site in Tregony would "enable investment" and the provision of additional supported, independent living for retired people.

RVG commercial and property services director Nick Jones said it was "upsetting" and "difficult" news for Roseland Court residents, family members and employees.

A statement from the company said it was "working closely with Cornwall Council and other partners to find suitable alternative care for the residents affected".

Ms Getliff said the decision has made her feel "anxious"

It added the operator will support staff as they "explore future employment options".

Sarah Getliff is the daughter of Helen Cave, aged 88, who has been a resident at the 36-bed care home for about three-years.

Ms Getliff said her mum has been "really happy" at the site and has been well-cared for.

"I don't know if we're going to find somewhere appropriate for mum," Ms Getliff said.

"How on earth is Cornwall going to soak up 35 elderly people, many of whom have dementia.

"It's really worrying".

Ms Getliff said a residents meeting was held on Tuesday which left some people "in tears".

"The staff are all very visibly upset," she said.

"It's such a lovely place and I don't think there will be another place like it."

She called the move towards creating more retirement flats at the site as "greedy" and "inhumane".

Ms Cave has been a resident at the care home for about three-years

Karen Champion said her father Sidney King, 89, has been a resident at the home for about 18 months.

Ms Champion, who also works at the home, said she only found out about the "devastating" closure in a meeting on Tuesday and no representative of RVG was present.

She said 45 staff members would now have to look for a new job, including herself.

"My main concern right now is my dad," she said.

She said the decision was in her view "profit over care".

"It's all about money," she added.

Ms Champion said people were "angry" at the meeting on Tuesday

Cornwall Council said it had informed the Care Quality Commission of RVG's plan after it was alerted to the decision last week.

It said it was supporting families and residents to identify an alternative provider as soon as possible.

The council said it was working with NHS Cornwall to ensure RVG meets its contractual obligations and puts in place a sufficient notice period for the planned closure.