Purley Pensioner’s Family Shocked by Social Care Changes

The council wants to outsource three adult social care centers. They expect to save £469,000 yearly with this move. People are worried about their loved ones who use the centers. Many users are elderly or have learning issues.

Shirley Andrews, 88, goes to Greenfield House in Calcot. She has mixed dementia and enjoys the center. Her family says she really benefits from the activities. Now, they fear this support will disappear. They find this news very upsetting.

The family helps Shirley with her care and plans to fight the change to get help. Without the center, Shirley might need a care home. Weekends are hard for Shirley. She misses the day care center until Sunday. It keeps her safe and happy.

Greenfield House helps adults with different disabilities. These include learning, physical, and frailty issues. It also serves those with dementia. The family needs the respite the center provides. They have children with special needs, making a care home not their preferred option.

The council said they have financial problems. They will form a team to find external providers. These providers will continue the care. Patrick Clark says this was a hard choice, but user care remains their priority. The process will happen in phases.

The council will talk to users and their families to understand everyone’s needs. They will also talk to service providers. These talks will shape future services. They promise to support users and staff during the change.

Greenfield House is still open right now. The other centers are in Hungerford and Newbury and are called Hungerford Resource Centre and Phoenix Resource Centre. These are the three centers facing outsourcing.