Ellesmere closes early

Residents and families were shocked at the announcement of the sudden closure of Ellesmere Residential Home for older people, the only home specialising in the care of elderly Black people.

The planned closure of Ellesmere is to be brought forward from 2006 to the spring of this year. The Council explained that the service wasn’t being used enough and they are confident all the residents would be found other places.

The home was opened in the mid 70’s with support from SADACCA, but doesn’t meet the new National Care Standards. When you step inside it has a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. Although only 18 of the 35 places are filled, and only five are from the African Carribean community, the oldest resident has been there for more than a decade.

Cllr Mick Rooney, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, said, "There are now plenty of places in the area in newer homes with good quality facilities, and we're finding more people are choosing to stay at home, using day services and home support."

There are plans for some of the staff to take their expertise and experience to Roe Lane Home, but as Steve Cooke, Chair of BCAF, pointed out at the recent New Deal meeting, Ellesmere was particularly useful as there are seperate male and female areas.

BCAF’s next Quarterly Forum in February will focus on issues concerning the elderly (see advert for more details).