The legal process to save Bowles Lodge is over but the spirit of Bowles Lodge lives on!
- John Porter
- This blog is about a campaign I led to prevent Lancashire County Council closing the care home my Mum lived in. We lost our case in the High Court but decision-makers at local and national level were made aware of the devastating consequences of moving elderly people - no matter how carefully it is done. Mum was moved and, sadly, died eight months later. The blog is dedicated to her precious memory. Love you Mum.
This is Vera, my mum
This is Vera, my mum. "Why did Kent County Council move me out of Bowles Lodge?"
Saturday, 10 December 2011
10th Decemnber 2011
Kent County Council cruelly pulled the rug from under mum leaving her in limbo in hospital for seven weeks (21st October to 8th December 2011). Our litigation failed though I think we have made KCC and others think more seriously about the risks involved in moving elderly and frail people from homes they love against their will. The responsibility has been taken away from me by all the KCC decision-makers and the judges but I will do all I can to protect and promote mum's life, health and wellbeing.
Mum moved into an excellent new independent private nursing home on Thursday 8th December called Rusthall Lodge near Tunbridge Wells. So far she is thriving which we are thankful for.
For the story since June 2010 see below!
Monday, 5 December 2011
Myths, facts & red herrings
I wrote this 17 months ago.
One big fact is that Kent County Council had committed the land that Bowles Lodge is on as part of a Private Finance Initiative. In that sense the consultation whether to close it or not was all about money but not, as is usually thought - particularly in these tough economic times - about saving money. This was about ensuring they got the PFI money to build the replacement Extra care Housing scheme.
A bigger fact is that KCC refused point blank to assess the risks to mum and many others' lives of moving then against their wills to other homes. Sadly, this is still the case. I call upon them to track all the elderly and frail people that have been evicted to find out whether they thrive or die prematurely.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Mum reacts to the end of her legal case
Kent & Sussex Courier, 2nd December 2011
Although the headline sounds pretty awful and she felt hurt by both judge's decisions the nursing staff kept a close eye on her and when I saw her yesterday she was in good spirits and pleased about leaving hospital next week.
Mum's friend makes it to New Zealand
Kent Messenger 2nd December 2011
Mum's friend Louise left Bowles Lodge on 24th November to fly to New Zealand to live with her daughter. I am sure she was totally unaware that her departure sealed the fate of mum's case. A strange string of events! Mum did not have an opportunity to say goodbye but it is wonderful to hear about the reception she has received.
Friday, 2 December 2011
An empty shell - full of heart!
We went to pick up mum's belongings today from Bowles Lodge.
It was sad to see mum's home so empty. Talked with sever\l staff and you could see the sadness in their faces. Kate, a team leader, has worked there for 21 years and has cared for so many elderly people.
These are the real heroes in this world. Their dedicated service goes largely unrecognised yet they show dignity and respect in action - far removed from the statements of councillors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)