Dorchester care homes 'not fit for purpose' set to close

Leonard Cheshire - a charity that provides accommodation and care for disabled people - has confirmed it plans to close its Edward Road and Friars Close facilities, a decision that has left families and care staff "upset and extremely disappointed" according to a staff member.

A member of staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, said there was much sadness and frustration at the decision.

"Over the last three years Leonard Cheshire has closed well over twenty of its care providing facilities in the UK and the trend appears to be continuing.

"Six residents who have severe and complex learning disabilities are presently looking for new homes after it was announced by senior managers of the charity that they 'hope' to have the two homes in Dorchester closed by early December - just before Christmas.

"The charity came to Dorset in the 1970s, opening a children's home in Dorchester for young children born with severe and complex learning and physical disabilities, making the promise to families and local authorities, that people would receive 'care for life'. The six residents affected by these closures have all lived in Dorchester and Weymouth since their early childhood and they are all now in their late 40s and early 50s.

"Families and care staff are upset and extremely disappointed that the international disability 'champion' charity has taken such a heartless decision to evict these people from their long term homes, especially just before Christmas."

A Leonard Cheshire spokesman said: “We have regrettably had to take the decision to close our Edward Road and Friars Close services, both in Dorchester. We have reached this decision after considering whether the two facilities were still fit for purpose and met the highest modern standards.

“This is about ensuring residents get the best quality long term care in a stable environment, and we are working with funding authorities, relatives, advocates and residents to find suitable alternative homes as soon as possible.”

Sadness and frustration has been expressed in reaction to the news

The charity would not discuss job losses and how many employees would be affected by the closure.

There are fears some residents may have to relocate outside of Dorset.

The staff member added: "Some of the evicted residents originally came from inner-cities out-of-county and face the real possibility of having to relocate, 40 years on, to places like London and Birmingham (in the thick of the Covid-19 crisis), where they now have absolutely no connections with and have no family and friends nearby. Their family and friends are the staff that have cared for them over many years here in Dorset."