Shropshire Star

Friend’s fears for Marjorie, 85, as move out of favourite care home looms

An 85-year-old woman's friend is fighting Shropshire Council for her to be allowed to stay in the care home she loves.

Published
Helen Major and Marjorie Edwards

Marjorie Edwards was placed in Stretton Hall, in Church Stretton, six weeks ago after a hospital stay, a move the council says was only ever meant to be temporary.

But now her good friend Helen Major is calling for the placement to be made permanent, claiming the council is prioritising money over Ms Edwards' welfare.

Ms Major, who is Ms Edwards' power of attorney, said: "They are saying she must be moved to somewhere cheaper as they are not willing to finance the high fees where she is.

Marjorie Edwards

"This lady has lived in institutions almost all of her life, and this is the happiest I've ever seen her. She has blossomed and put on weight in the few weeks she's been there, and I know that yet another traumatic move will be detrimental to her health and wellbeing."

Before her most recent hospital admission Ms Edwards was living at a different residential home, but had to be moved to Stretton Hall as her needs had changed.

After several meetings with social services, Ms Major said she was losing hope of convincing the council to halt the imminent move which she believed would save around £400 per week.

Frail

She said Ms Edwards was "a frail elderly lady who has long term mental health issues", and the news that she could soon be relocated had already caused her distress.

"I feel she deserves better than this, its the last part of her life and she deserves some happiness and stability," said Ms Major.

"I care so passionately that they make the right decision for Marjorie but whatever I say, they say they don't have the budget to keep her there.

"She has been there for six weeks and she is so happy. The thought of having to move again has really worried her, she has had nightmares.

"The home is absolutely wonderful, they have really looked after her."

The council has denied the decision to move Ms Edwards was financially motivated and said there was no possibility of her being allowed to stay at Stretton Hall.

Tanya Miles, head of adult social care at Shropshire Council, said: "We fully understand Mrs Major's concerns with respect to her friend.

"As with all vulnerable people who have been discharged from hospital, our key aim is to help support them to either return home as soon as possible, or if further support is needed, arrange for short term accommodation whilst we review their needs.

"It was always the case this was a temporary accommodation arrangement, whilst we completed a further specialist assessment. The particular accommodation has been specifically arranged to support hospital discharges only, and therefore unfortunately not for long term stay.

"We are committed to ensure the needs of Mrs Major's friend are met and continue to work with the individual, her family and Mrs Major towards considering a number of longer term options."