Families 'heartbroken' by care home's closure

Families have been left "heartbroken" at the sudden closure of a care home.

The Gables Care Home in Middlesbrough is to shut "due to low occupancy", a spokesperson said.

Alan Davies, whose mum Lily is a long-term resident, said he was desperate for it to be saved and bought by new owners, describing staff as "a credit to their profession".

The spokesperson said all options to keep the home operating were explored, including a potential buyer, but discussions did not progress.

The care home is working with Middlesbrough Council to identify suitable alternative accommodation.

Davies said it had been a struggle finding alternative care homes for his mother with many having "long waiting lists".

"My brother has just received a list of homes to get in touch with but half of them are already full," he said.

Ellie Bishop's grandmother Margaret Taylor was cared for at the Gables Care Home for years before she died in October.

The family formed close bonds with staff and other residents during their weekly visits and said they found the news of the closure "really upsetting".

"This isn't fair on the staff who have been there many years or the poor residents having to find somewhere new to live," she said.

"Since my grandma passed, we have visited the care home a few times to see staff and residents.

"We will do anything we can to help this amazing care home and the amazing staff."

Middlesbrough Council said the care home had capacity for 64 residents but there were currently just 17 occupants.

A spokesperson said the council was "working closely with the operators, residents and their families to provide assistance and support".

Donna Ward said her mum Lorraine, who has a brain injury, had received "really good" help at the care home.

"To move away from that care is a massive thing, she doesn't like change and can't get comfortable with it," she said.

"The care home saying we have got 30 days to move her is totally going to disrupt her life."

The Gables Care Home spokesperson said: "We are deeply sorry to all those affected, including our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff.

"We understand how upsetting this situation is and appreciate the concern it will cause for everyone involved."

It said it was also looking at opportunities for staff to transfer to other care homes in the region.

"However, we regret that the closure will result in some redundancies."

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