People have reacted angrily to the news that a rural care home has been axed after being deemed “surplus to requirements”.
A proposal to declare Strathendrick Care Home in Balfron surplus to requirements was approved by Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board – the body responsible for local health and social care – last week, as part of a wider reshape of rural care.
Members were told the home was assessed as not being able to meet the needs of those with complex needs, including complex medication and clinical care, in the community.
However, a local councillor has pledged to fight on in a bid to halt the decision.
Forth and Endrick Tory councillor Alistair Berrill said: “The consultation process was terrible and there has been hardly any information about how people will get all the care and respite they need.
“Myself and the other ward councillors will keep up the pressure for the closure to be halted and proper engagement with the communities is carried out.”
Many locals took to social media to voice their concerns.
One local said: “My mum had respite care in this home. The care was excellent and all needs were met for medication etc. The food was excellent and lots of activities. This home is definitely needed.”
One woman said: “When my mum needed physio/OT rehab after breaking her hip, her stay was the best possible. Clean, comfortable, good food, great staff and local.”
“Bad decision and I can only think/hope one that will be revisited,” said Gabi Heron. “I’ve read their rationale and it’s just not right.”
Annabell Fowles said: “It was a wonderful care home with great staff.”
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While the 12-bed care home was mostly used latterly as a respite centre, it had not initially been intended for that purpose and at one point had just one full-time resident.
Last week IJB chairperson, Clackmannanshire councillor Les Sharp, said: “Declaring Strathendrick surplus to requirements was certainly not a decision taken lightly, but the report clearly outlined its continued current use didn’t match with the desires or needs of the community.”
IJB Chief Officer, Annemargaret Black, said: “This obviously represents a period of change for the community but the shift towards more flexible and person-centred short break care, rather than the one-size fits all approach to respite provided at Strathendrick House, is ultimately what the people who live in this area want.”
