ELDERLY residents at a failing care home must not be moved, say family members.
Families have vowed to continue a campaign to keep Greencroft Nursing Home in Shotton open.
One man says he fears his 82-year-old mother will die if she is forced to leave the home she loves.
Flintshire Council has withdrawn contracts for the residents, due to “escalating concerns” but families of the 21 residents say they are happy with levels of care and believe dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers would be put at greater risk if they were moved.
“My mum is staying there,” said Paul Sandiford, of Curzon Park, Chester.
His mother Patricia, who has dementia, has lived at the home for more than five years.
“We want to negotiate. We don’t want to fight,” he added.
“When we chose Greencroft for mum in 2007 it was not for its looks, as it was run down, but the love, care and attention that could be easily seen on the visits we made,” said Mr Sandiford.
“The new owner has improved the look considerably.
“Mum settled in almost immediately which is very similar to the majority of the residents at Greencroft.
“The home is nowhere near a death threat,” he added. “We would not want our loved ones in a death trap.”
He said he believed if the move went ahead many of the residents would die from the confusion and disruption.
He said: “I would compassionately request to the regulator that we go to arbitration and work together and keep as many beds for families in Flintshire.
“They are our most valuable and elderly people who all have basic human rights.
“There are no beds in Flintshire, so if your loved one needs a bed in years to come you will have to travel hours to see them, not just pop up the road.”
Alwyn Jones, head of adult services at Flintshire Council said: “Over recent weeks we have been working closely with management and staff at Greencroft Nursing Home and BCUHB (Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board) to focus on actions identified to address and put right the problems at the home, but the home remains ‘in escalating concerns’.
“An unannounced CSSIW (Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales) inspection last week also highlighted persistent failings in the delivery of clinical care at the home.
“In light of this and after seeking advice from experienced health professionals and senior social service staff, a decision was made to withdraw from our contract with the home for mental health nursing care to 21 residents.
“This decision was not taken lightly and the council fully recognises it has a duty of care to residents, carers and families in addressing the current situation and their longer term needs.
“We will be working with BCUHB and the home’s staff to ensure residents receive appropriate on-going care while alternative arrangements are put in place.
“Families and carers will be kept closely informed and involved in all decisions affecting the ongoing care and well-being of those residents affected by this decision.”
Managers of the nursing home declined to comment.