'Dread' over care homes' future as talks continue
Peter McNamaraThe possible closure of two care homes is causing "dread" among the families of those who live there, a relative has said.
Westmorland and Furness Council began talks in May over the future of Applethwaite Green in Windermere and Grisedale Croft in Alston, which it said could cost up to £6m to refurbish to modern standards.
Peter McNamara's sister Brenda, who lives at Applethwaite Green, said it had been a "godsend" for her being in the community she had lived almost all her life, and with work it could be revived into a "first-class facility".
The Liberal Democrat-led authority previously stressed no decisions have been made and it hoped the 12-week consultation would allow it to gather views.
Grisedale Croft has four of its 13 rooms occupied, which costs £4,000 per week per resident, while Applethwaite Green has 27 beds and 16 residents, costing £2,000 a week.
The closures are among four options being presented by the council, another is refurbishment which has been estimated at up to £3m for each place.
The council said it was also about the standard of care it wanted to provide and added the homes have smaller rooms without ensuite bathrooms, which "no longer meet modern care standards".
The first consultation session was held at Windermere Library regarding Applethwaite Green, with staff past and present, alongside relatives of the residents attending.
McNamara said his 93-year-old sister was "bright as a button" but had severe mobility issues.
"Applethwaite Green has been a godsend to her and she is very happy there in the community where she has lived virtually all her life," the 86-year-old said.
"We all dread her having to move to unfamiliar surroundings further away."
Alternative options would be sites in Kendal or Grange, however these caused "problems with distance, particularity for older people visiting relatives".
Google"We know there is demand for facilities like Applethwaite, but yet we were told two years ago there was no room for my sister."
McNamara said "the staff accepted her, and she has been very happy here since".
He said, with a bit of improvement, especially to the size of the rooms, Applethwaite Green could "provide first-class facilities" for Windermere and the surrounding area.
The council said final decisions about the care homes would be made later this year.
