UNCERTAINTY over the future wellbeing of older people living in the Tenbury area, has become more acute following a decision to close the nursing wing unit at Haresbrooke Care Centre.

"This is very disturbing and upsetting news which The Advertiser knew about before I did." says Elizabeth Eyre, cabinet member for Social Services.

"Haresbrook is a 50 placement dual registration home with nursing care currently housing 24 residents, we are responsible for eight from Tenbury Wells, six of whom we are funding at £422 per week.

"Social Services will be helping with relocation for all those needing nursing care and will ensure it is carried out sensitively."

"It is however, a private home and as I understand it, is being upgraded for older people with mental problems and dementia, adding 16 sheltered dwellings for people who prefer to be cared for in their own home."

Mrs Eyre explained: "The new direction for Social Services is to manage care for people at home.

"Suitable housing attached to a residential home is progress towards providing different levels of care."

Head of health and social care (older people), Eddie Clark said: " There is no other home in Tenbury for them and they will be moved out of the area."

However, worries continue to grow over nursing provision in the area for older people without the usual mental infirmities associated with ageing.

County councillor for the Tenbury area Reg. Farmer said: "Something must be done to prevent it.

"Since we lost our care home in Stoke Bliss, nursing care has plummeted and this decision will have a big physiological effect on Tenbury families."

The Wyre Forest Older People's Care Team is working with the home owners, residents, relatives and funding agencies to find suitable placements for the Haresbrook residents but Coun Farmer insisted: "If ever I need that kind of care I would want to be as close as possible to my family and in my own area."

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