Key change agreed for residential care proposal in Ferndale

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet has made its final decisions on two residential care proposals that were recently consulted upon. On Wednesday, January 22, Members amended the proposal for Ferndale House Care Home, instead agreeing to keep it open until new care accommodation for Rhondda Fach is built, while the proposal to close Cae Glas Care Home will proceed.

The proposals, outlined in more detail here, were brought forward to respond to new demands for residential care. Older people’s expectations are changing, with more residents wanting to retain independence in their own home, or live in accommodation providing targeted support for their needs in an apartment-style facility, like Extra Care, rather than traditional care homes.

A report to Wednesday’s Cabinet meetingsummarised the consultation feedback that was received.

Having considered the consultation feedback and the content of the report, Cabinet Members have determined not to proceed with the decommissioning of Ferndale House Care Home. This accommodation will now remain open until the new care home development at the former ‘Chubb’ Factory site in Ferndale becomes operational.

Members also determined that the proposal for Cae Glas Care Home in Hawthorn will proceed as initially consulted upon. They determined to proceed with this proposal in response to the home’s surplus capacity. As a result, officers will begin the process to permanently decommissionthe care home – while ensuring that residents are provided with continued care and remain fully-supported and informed throughout.

Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We fully understand that bringing forward service changes like these is extremely emotive.

“In reaching its decision today, Cabinet considered a range of important matters, including the need to respond to the changing demands for residential care – with many residents now choosing to live independently for longer, resulting in an oversupply of residential care homes. This is a trend that is expected to continue into the future. It is therefore important that the Council continues to explore options to redesign our accommodation services tosupport a more efficient service delivery model, and make best use of available resources. This willensure we are able to meet the needs of all our residents.

“The better-than-anticipated Local Government settlement has provided some financial flexibility for us to take note of the strong concerns expressed. This relates to the impact of moving residents for a short period of time, which could be avoided by delaying the closure of Ferndale House until the new facility is operational on the new at the ‘Chubb’ Factory site. This decision will also enable staff to directly transfer to the newly-built setting.

“Unfortunately, due to the need to reduce the surplus capacity which exists across the Council’s accommodation services, and the need to respond to changing demands for care, it was determined to proceed with the decommissioning of Cae Glas Care Home. It was noted that there is sufficient residential and residential dementia care home capacity, both in the immediate and short to medium term, across the County Borough.

“All residents will continue to receive care and support throughout the next steps of the process, and officers will work very closely with residents and their families to keep them informed, and to find suitable alternative accommodations that meet all assessed needs. Only after this is achieved for every one of the Cae Glas residents will this decision be taken forward.”

The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny call-in arrangements, for the call-in of a Cabinet decision, apply until 5pm on January 27.

In response, South Wales Central MS Heledd Fychan said:

“I’m pleased to hear that Ferndale House will remain open until a new care home is built. This is a fantastic outcome for our residents, dedicated staff, and the families who have fought so hard to keep this much-needed care in the community. 

“However, I’m incredibly disappointed to hear that the council will proceed with the decommissioning of Cae Glas. This will be the second council care home in Taff Ely to close in less than two years, following the closure of Garth Olwg. We know that residential care is vital, and this news will be devastating for the residents, staff, and their families. Over the past few months, I have spoken with family members of residents, and their concerns are heart breaking.

“We understand that savings need to be made, but further cuts to our elderly care is not the answer.”