Families left 'irate' as Welsh care home announces plans to close for good
A care home in Wales is set to close before Christmas due to the building's "significant shortcomings". Hafod has informed residents and their relatives that Arthur Jenkins Care Home in Blaenavon will be closing on December 1.
It says it has made the decision "reluctantly", stating it had "become clear" that the home "is not suitable to deliver the quality of care" it aspires to. It said the building's future had been under discussion with Torfaen County Borough Council for years.
Arthur Jenkins Care Home states it provides residential care in a "home from home environment", offering ground floor accommodation for 29 people aged over 55. Relatives of residents living there say they have been left "irate" by the announcement. Banners have been hung up outside the care home calling for it to be "saved". For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
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One relative, who has asked not to be identified, said: "We received a letter giving us three months notice that they were closing the home. They say they can't afford to rectify the building. We had a meeting with Hafod management and representatives from the council.
"We understand a care provider from the West Midlands was interested, and a local company interested from south Wales. But it appears Hafod does not want to let the lease go." Hafod said they had no intention of retaining the lease.
The family member added: "They're asking family members to find alternative measures. Those who are supported by Torfaen Council will remain supported by them, financially, but it's not as if they are saying there is a space here, or there is a space there, it's all down to the family members to find something. Other families we've spoken to are irate."
A Hafod spokeswoman said: "We have reluctantly made the decision to close our Arthur Jenkins Care Home in Blaenavon. Whilst we are proud of the quality of care that our team at Arthur Jenkins provides for our residents, it has become clear that the building is not suitable to deliver the quality of care we aspire to.
"The future of Arthur Jenkins has been under discussion with the local authority for several years. Torfaen County Borough Council, who own the site and are working closely in partnership with us, support this decision. Despite increased investment to the building over our time as operator, an independent review carried out has concluded that even substantial works in the building would not address significant shortcomings.
"Although we considered various options with regards to further investment, due to a number of challenges with this particular site Arthur Jenkins is not able to provide the facilities we, and our customers, expect in the long term. We are supporting both our residents and colleagues to ensure their well-being and achieve the best possible outcomes for their individual needs.
"The high quality of care provided in Arthur Jenkins is not in question and the decision to close this service is by no means a reflection on those who work there. We aim to minimise any colleagues at risk of redundancy by offering redeployment to our other Hafod services.
"We are taking every precaution in supporting our residents into their new homes. All moves will be carried out in a safe and sensitive manner in consultation with our residents’ case workers, families and advocates, the transferee home and medical advice. We continue to ensure our Arthur Jenkins residents receive the highest quality of care and support."
Addressing the relative's claims concerning interest from other parties, the spokeswoman added: "We can confirm that part of our notice to Torfaen County Borough Council regarding Arthur Jenkins Care Home was the intent to hand back the lease, of the building and the site, to the council. Hafod has no desire to retain the lease and as the owner, the future of the land and building sits with Torfaen.
"If there is any possibility to transfer this to any perspective interested party, we welcome the opportunity to assist with this, however the lease rights sit with Torfaen. Conversations of this nature take time and are not always simple. While these must remain confidential at this time, we understand the uncertainty lack of clarity can cause. As soon as we can communicate more information to our residents, their families and our colleagues, we will." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.