Daughter’s Life Feared at Risk Following Care Home Closure

Deb Wood had envisioned Coombe House as a permanent residence for her daughter, Elizabeth, who requires constant care due to cerebral palsy. However, Elizabeth is now confronting her sixth relocation since reaching adulthood, a situation Ms Wood believes could jeopardize her daughter’s life. This impending move stems from the permanent closure of Coombe House in January. The facility, which is Kidderminster’s sole remaining nursing home for adults with complex learning disabilities, has provided support to residents for three decades. It currently serves 11 vulnerable individuals with a staff of 26. Worcestershire County Council has stated that the expenses associated with necessary repairs and upkeep were deemed excessive. Ms Wood expressed her distress, stating, “I’m devastated as are other family members, because Coombe House has been here for 30 years.” She added, “When Elizabeth came here, I thought this was gonna be her forever home but it turns out it’s going to be her sixth move since she’s been an adult.” She articulated her concern that the closure would diminish her daughter’s quality of life. Recalling a previous experience, she stated, “Last time she was placed in a care home without the proper learning disability facilities, she ended up in hospital for a month and lost 10kg in weight.” She further commented, “It was a horrific time and I’m really afraid that will happen again.” She concluded by asserting, “I believe it is a matter of life or death.” The county council acknowledged that the home’s closure was “incredibly stressful” but affirmed it was “working closely with health and care partners, the care provider, residents and their families to find alternative provision.” According to the county council, the decision to close the facility followed an assessment conducted by Citizen Housing, the building’s owners. This evaluation revealed “substantial repair and maintenance issues,” leading Citizen Housing to opt against renewing its lease with Praxis Care, the service provider. A spokesperson commented: “Regrettably, due to the long-term maintenance issues along with the age and layout of Coombe House, raised in the assessment, no other care provider or housing association has come forward… who could take on care of the residents and responsibility for the building.” The spokesperson added that they “[We] will ensure the care and support needs of each individual continue to be met safely… before the home closes.”