A 109-YEAR-old is among 15 residents being forced to move out of a Cleethorpes care home, which will be closed within a month.
The closure of the Farringford Residential Home – forced by the firm which runs it going into liquidation and leaving 30 staff without jobs – has been described as a "bereavement without someone dying" by its manager.
Oldest resident, 109-year-old Vera Rostron has been cared for by the Grimsby Road home for the past 13 years.
Previously she had lived at the same address in Suggitt's Lane, Cleethorpes, for more than 70 years before moving into the home.
She told the Grimsby Telegraph: "I am going to miss all the girls because of all their little kindnesses. They don't mind doing anything for you. They have all become friends."
Vera had been looking forward to celebrating her 110th birthday in the residential home, but now faces an uncertain future.
However, efforts are now being made to desperately find Vera and the other residents, many of whom suffer from dementia and acute disabilities, new accommodation in existing homes or with relatives.
Letters have been sent to the staff and relatives of the residents advising them the firm which runs the home has gone into liquidation.
Vera was among the residents and staff who celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building only this month.
As reported, a party was held to mark the centenary of the building which was formerly a gas board office and a car showroom. It became a residential home in 1988 and was taken over by the present owners in August 2007.
A creditors' meeting is due to take place at the end of next month.
Care home manager Pam Gammons said talks were underway to find a new home for Vera and the other residents.
She said: "We are all extremely sad. They are all our family – the residents, the staff, the relatives. It is like a bereavement without someone dying."
She said relatives have spoken with social services officers to try to find new homes for the residents ahead of the closure due next month.
The manager said: "Times have changed. More people are staying in their own homes. If people can stay in their own homes it is a good thing. If there is a good care team, that is great.
"But these are vulnerable people and having people come to their home does not provide the continuity of care we provide."
She said she had no idea what her future will be after the staff are made redundant.
The manager said she had more than 25 years' experience in the care sector and is concerned for her future and that of her staff.
A relative of a resident in their late 80s, who did not wish to be named, said: "I will have to rehouse my mum and she is coming up to 90.
"Everyone is upset for the residents. This is going to mean the loss of a good care home where people care, which is quite rare nowadays."
She said many of the residents, a mix of men and women, are only mobile with the aid of hoists, as others enjoy walking around the large premises.
The home's owner, Tarsem Sunnar, declined to comment on the closure.
Cathy Kennedy, deputy chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "This unfortunate news comes despite the home having successfully been awarded a bronze award under the CCG's Quality Awards programme, launched earlier this year.
"This meant it was a care home where people funded by the CCG could choose to reside.
"We recognise that this is a worrying time for residents and their families. We would like to reassure everyone that the CCG and our partners, Navigo, Care Plus and Focus, are working closely with Farringford to ensure all 15 residents, both those who fund themselves and those who the CCG fund, are fully supported in identifying an alternative care home that meets their needs."
She said anyone with concerns can contact North East Lincolnshire CCG on 0300 3000500 or e-mail nelccg.askus@nhs.net
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