Grange loses at-home care after provider pulls plug

Residents in the town were told last week that by the end of February, their at-home care provided by the service provider Carewatch would be withdrawn.

This move has drawn criticism from local carers and councillors who do not think the area can afford to lose even more care providers.

Mayor of Grange, Councillor Trish Thomas, was sad to see more vulnerable patients in the Cartmel peninsula facing more uncertainty over their care.

She said: "We've already lost residential care in Grange and in the peninsula. The old grammar school in Cartmel closed and it hasn't been replaced. People are having to move out of their town for their care."

A spokesman for Carewatch said its clients were told the company would be withdrawing its services on January 31. It will continue its support until the end of its contract on February 28.

Based on her experience of care provision in the county, Cllr Thomas is concerned that residents and their families will struggle to find alternative care in such a short space of time.

She said: "It's not enough time, it's really difficult to find somebody, especially if you're not residing in the area."

Liz Herbert, 45, from Millom, is a private carer for a woman in Grange who uses Carewatch's services. Like Cllr Thomas, she is concerned people will not be able to find alternative care.

She said: "They have to get in touch with their social worker, but they have a long waiting list for people that need care. They don't have the staff or resources available."

Carewatch has said staffing issues and the location of residents in Grange were contributing factors in its decision to pull out.

A spokesman said: "Regrettably, Carewatch and other providers have found the location of these clients a challenge both in finding carers prepared to travel to them and ensuring carer continuity to suit their requirements.

"We appreciate that this is a difficult time for those affected and it’s not a decision we ever take lightly. We will, of course, provide care for the remainder of our contracted terms and have phoned each of the seven people we are supporting in order to explain the situation and to support them to seek alternative care and support."

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said it had a plan in place to support residents affected, and to get in touch with their local social care team if they have any concerns.

He said: "Cumbria County Council is aware of the planned closure of Carewatch in Grange. Plans are already in place to provide continuity home care to affected people from other providers. If anyone has any concerns or queries relating to home care in the South Lakes area, please contact the local adult social care team on 01539 713378."

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