FUNDING CRISIS FORCES CARE FACILITY TO CLOSE

People with learning difficulties face an uncertain future after managers at their care home announced it will close within weeks.

Fiskerton Old Hall is home to 13 residents with disabilities so severe that many of them are unable to communicate.

But after a recent review, Craegmoor Healthcare, which runs the home, has decided to close the home from Thursday, March 25.

The company said it has been forced to close the home because of the large investment needed to ensure that the home continues to meet national standards.

But a relative of one of the care home’s residents said that the effects of the closure could be devastating.

The relative, who did not wish to be named, said: “I am desperately trying to find a home for him nearer to me.

“But he’s lucky because he has me. A lot of the other residents have no relatives and no-one to speak up for them.

“These people have the most severe of disabilities. A lot of them cannot speak so they have no voice and no way of understanding what is happening to them.

“I’m very worried about what’s going to happen to them. There are just no spaces in the county so they will be shoved into anywhere the authority can find and most likely out of the county.

“These people will have no idea what has happened to them and have had no time to adapt to their new home.

“What will happen to the ones who may be more difficult?

“And I believe it’s because no-one will put enough funding into it. This place used to be absolutely amazing and now it’s gone completely downhill.

“The residents were happy in their home and they were used to it.

“By moving them, it’s taking away their security.”

Regional director for Craegmoor, Les Chaplin, said: “Decisions which affect people’s lives and livelihoods are never taken lightly and this one has only been made after careful consideration and with residents’ best interests in mind.

“We will continue to work closely with social services over the coming weeks to ensure all residents are found alternative accommodation that provides the specialist care that they need.”

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Social Services said: “It is with regret that we today received 28 days’ notice of closure from Craegmoor Healthcare for the Old Hall, Fiskerton.

“The 13 people with learning disabilities who currently live there will now move to suitable accommodation elsewhere. We are working actively with Craegmoor to ensure that the move is as smooth as possible for those involved.

“We will be offering residents and their families as much choice and control over their move as possible.”