Mum's distress over coming closure of care home in Shinfield

The Parrot Farm House in Arborfield Road, Shinfield is a care home for adults with learning difficulties run by Dimensions care company.

Currently, five men and a woman live in the care home, as Dimensions announced it will be closing it by the end of October.

But Clare Platts, 81, whose son, Philip James, 53, lives there, has spoken out in distress as her and other families have not been told where their loved ones will be rehomed, leading to fears they may have their level of care reduced.

She said: "They're threatening to close it in eight weeks time but no alternative has been offered.

"These residents can't live in independent units, they are very vulnerable and can't do anything for themselves.

Clare Platts with her grandchildren from her younger son. She says her family has been put in the dark over her disabled elder son's living arrangements. (Image: Clare Platts)

"They are getting round the clock care, they can't go out on their own, they can't cook, they can't be trusted alone in their bedrooms.

"They need an awful lot of care."

Speaking about her son's needs, Mrs Platts said: "He doesn't understand what's going on, and he can't always understand what is said to him."

That's why she was alarmed by the news that Dimensions aims to close the care home in two months. 

Philip James, 53, the son of Clare Platts, who is uncertain about his future living accommodation following the announcement that Parrot Farm House will be closed. (Image: Clare Platts)

She said: "These people are not capable of taking on tenancies, it's ridiculous."

Mrs Platts did sympathise with the decision to close the care home due to issues with the site, including the age of the building and its inconvenient location.

She said: "It's isolated, it's not in a good condition, I understand the reasons why they want to change it."

But the lack of clarity on where their loved ones will be relocated is causing families anxiety.

Mrs Platt said: "It's a big worry. I understand it may have to close, but they have to offer something comparable and they haven't.

"That's the main problem."

A spokesperson for Dimensions said: “Parrot Farm House, an old care home where six people live, is due to close at the end of October. The six people we support there, their families and our colleagues were informed on July 5.

"The people we support there are being supported by social workers from their local areas of Wokingham, West Berkshire and Redbridge, Greater London to choose a new place to live.

"This may be locally with our support and the same staff team, or elsewhere, for example nearer their family, in line with their needs and preferences.

"Visits to possible properties (subject to commissioning) began earlier this month and will continue until the right place has been found for each individual.

"In the event that the right new home has not been found for someone by the end of October, the deadline can be extended.”