A huge care home that houses dozens of vulnerable residents in Cornwall is closing down. The decision to shut down Roseland Court in Tregony, near Truro, was confirmed by its owners last week and told to residents on Tuesday (July 9).
Retirement Villages Group (RVG) has informed Cornwall Council it intends to close the care home. It's understood it has plans to transform the facility into retirement apartments instead of a care facility that will provide "additional supported, independent living accommodation for retired people".
As it stands the care home, which provides much-needed support for older people, people with sensory impairments and people with dementia, has capacity for 36 residents but has 34. It told residents of the decision to close on Tuesday.
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The vast site, which previously had 52 single rooms and one shared room, with a capacity for 55 residents, already has dozens of individual supported-living units, including detached and terraced homes. It is also not clear how many staff work at the facility and will lose their jobs as a result.
One person impacted told CornwallLive residents have been given 90 days to find alternative accommodation and that staff have also been informed. They said: "The owners of Roseland Parc Care Home Tregony told staff and residents yesterday that they will be closing the home and turning it into retirement apartments.
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"They have been given 90 days notice to find alternative accommodation and staff given notice." They believe the home is housing around 35 residents currently, many with advanced dementia.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council says it is working with NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board to support residents, their families and the staff affected by Roseland Court care home’s decision to close.
They said: "We understand how upsetting this news is to those affected and we are supporting families and residents to identify an alternative provider as soon as possible. The site is owned by Retirement Villages Group (RVG) who informed us of their intention to close the care home last week.
"We have informed the Care Quality Commission of RVG’s plan. Together with NHS Cornwall, we are working to ensure RVG meets its contractual obligations and puts in place a sufficient notice period for the planned closure." Anyone with concerns is advised to call the council on 0300 1234 100.
A statement provided to Roseland Court Care Home by Retirement Villages Group (RVG) states: "Relirement Villages Group (RVG) is consulting employees and residents of Roseland Court in Tregony on the proposed closure of the care home.
"The closure of the 36-bed home would enable Investment in the Roseland Parc site, and the provision of additional supported, independent living accommodation for retired people. RVG and the care provider HCMS understand this will be sad news for Roseland Court residents, their families, and the dedicated team of employees at the care home.
"RVG and HCMS will be working closely with Cornwall Council and other partners to find suitable alterative care for the residents affected. RVG and HCMS will support employees affected by these proposals.
"Redeployment opportunities are limited but will be explored wherever possible. Employees and union representatives will be kept fully informed about the proposals over the next few months."
Nick Jones, commercial and property services director of Retirement Villages Group, said: "We know this is upsetting for our residents and their families. We'll listen carefully to their concerns and keep them up to date throughout this process.
"This is also difficult news for the professional and dedicated employees at Roseland Court. We'll do all we can to support them, working with them as they explore future employment options."
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