Roseneath - better late than never
Ever since the first announcement was made a couple of years ago regarding the possible closure of Roseneath, Stone Town Council has been trying to arrange a meeting with the County Council. All councillors were alarmed at the plans to rehouse elderly residents and wanted the opportunity to try and influence the decision. Sadly the County Council has avoided having a meeting with us - until last night. But better late than never.
Of course, the decision to close Roseneath has now been implemented and there is nothing anybody can do about it now. So last night’s presentation by Paula Furnival, District Director from the Directorate of Social Care and Health, was always going to be an explanation of the progress to date and their plans for the future care of the elderly. Paula gave a very full and frank summary of the present situation. She explained that there were 19 residents still living in Roseneath and that it was hoped that by the summer all will have been rehoused to their satisfaction.
There then followed a lengthy and detailed question and answer session. The overwhelming view from the floor was that there was no councillor who had any confidence in the care and support services which are in place for looking after our elderly who are living independently and that unless considerably more resources were put into these services the elderly were going to be very poorly cared for.
Several councillors related their own ‘horror’ stories of experiences with elderly relatives. Whilst Paula put forward some very plausible reassurances, I fear most of us still went home with serious doubts that support and care of the elderly has taken second place to the imperative to save money. We shall see.
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