Anger as 100-year-old gran told to leave care home

Hungerford's Chestnut Walk 'like a family'

A 100-year-old grandmother is among residents who will have to be rehomed if Chestnut Walk Care Home in Hungerford closes.

The plight of Irene Keel highlights the human cost of new budget cuts announced by West Berkshire Council.

Another resident has also said he is “gutted” at the prospect of the upheaval.

The Coldharbour Road residential home has been singled out for closure in the local authority’s 2016/17 Budget Proposal.

Mrs Keel’s grandson, Paul Richardson, said: “While none of our family is oblivious to the need for cost savings, the effects on this 100-year-old lady could be devastating, with her only recently having settled fully in to Chestnut Walk.

“Change can be very unsettling for the elderly.

“It’s very unfortunate because it took my grandmother a long time to get settled there, after living for 99 years in her own home.

“It’s like a family at Chestnut Walk and it’s just such a shame.”

Patricia Burgess said her 75-year-old husband Albert, a contented resident of Chestnut Walk, was frightened at the prospect of losing his happy home.

She said: “He will be gutted because it’s like a family there.

“The staff are caring and it’s a real community.

“My husband is well settled there and has been in other homes and not settled.

“The other homes are too big.

“You are supposed to look after the elderly, who fought in the war and deserve a bit of respect.

“I’m recovering from cancer and I don’t need the upset of it, either.”

West Berkshire Council currently owns and operates four care homes in Shaw, Thatcham, Kintbury and Hungerford.

All but Hungerford will retain their facilities and the council estimates the proposed closure of Chestnut Walk will result in savings of £94,000.

It says alternative provision will be made for residents, while staff will be redeployed to avoid redundancies.

A consultation is currently underway.