Pensioners ‘left in turmoil by plans’
Jun 27 2009 The Journal
FEARS were voiced last night over the potential impact on the health of elderly and vulnerable people if care chiefs press ahead with controversial plans to close seven day centres in Northumberland.
Relatives of elderly dementia suffers who use the council-run Lyndon Walk day centre in Blyth said they are worried that their conditions will get even worse if they have to uproot themselves and move elsewhere.
Two women told a public meeting in the town that their mothers don’t cope well with change, and questioned whether adequate alternative provision will be available if the centre closes.
Last night’s meeting – in Blyth’s Isabella Centre – was the last of seven held as part of formal consultations on proposals by the county council and Care Trust which could result in the closure of council-run day centres in Amble, Bedlington, Blyth, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Hexham and Haltwhistle.
Care chiefs are planning to introduce a new system that involves giving older people ‘personal budgets’ which they can spend on getting out of the house and taking part in social activities of their choice.
Last night’s meeting heard claims that elderly users of the seven centres are being put through turmoil because of the threat to their future – and there was an accusation that the county council has already made a decision to get out of directly providing day care.
