Carer says life will not be worth living if Earlsmoor closes
A 78-year-old carer has told how his life wouldn't be worth living if it was not for the troubled rest home Earlsmoor.
In an emotional outburst Jack Webb told union members, carers and staff at a meeting to save the threatened Brynmill unit that it truly was his lifeline.
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Jack and Maragret Webb of Port Tennant.
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"I have been a carer for 46 years. I have a disabled son and I also care for my disabled wife who has used Earlsmoor for eight years," said Mr Webb of Grafog Street, Port Tennant.
"I get up between 5.30am and 6am every day to care for my wife 24/7.
"If I can't get respite care I would rather be out of this world. My life would not be worth living.
"I get a carers allowance, which works out about 30 pence an hour. Would the councillors making this decision, want to take my job?"
The council-run facility primarily cares for elderly patients who have just left hospital, and acts as a respite care centre to provide carers like Mr Webb with a break.
In June, the authority unveiled plans to shake up care services across the city, and said the future of Earlsmoor would be considered as part of this.
The meeting, arranged by trade union Unison, was called to allow people to have their say and agree on a direction for a campaign against the threatened closure.
Unison's regional organiser Glyn Jones said: "Earlsmoor is part of a bigger picture. We are starting to hear noises from the council that the long term care service is in jeopardy.
"It is economical nonsense to consider shutting Earlsmoor.
"This council should hang their head in shame.
"Council services are accountable. We have to ensure that the services provided to our old people in Swansea are in-house and accountable."
Reverend Trevor Reynolds, who relies on the facility to care for his 89-year-old mother-in-law, agreed that the facility was a lifeline.
"Earlsmoor has been ideal. My mother-in-law has adjusted to the regime and knows everybody there. It would take a while for her to get used to everything again if she had to move elsewhere.
"The staff are wonderful and give my mother-in-law individual care.
"Its convenient and is located in pleasant surroundings which gives users a holiday feel.
"It is spacious, clean and there is plenty of room for wheelchairs to get around."
Geraint Davies, the prospective parliamentary candidate for Swansea West said Earlsmoor had facilities worth fighting for.
He said: "Swansea has an army of carers who give up their time.
"Where are our councillors at this meeting?"
Matthew Shepherd, for Unison, called on councillors to attend a public meeting to debate the issue publicly.
He said: "They talk about choice but at the present time they are not offering any real alternatives."
The proposal will be discussed at the Council's Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Overview Board meeting at 10.30pm on Wednesday, December 2. Council chiefs say staff believe a total of 29 regular users will need the high level of care on offer at the site in the future — between 12 and 15 use the facility each week.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: "We understand people will be concerned about proposals to close Earlsmoor. But we want to reassure people that Swansea Council is committed to providing residential respite care for elderly people who need it.
"Our proposals are a direct response to consultation with service users and carers' organisations and our overriding aim is to provide services that meet their needs and are sustainable for the future.
"It's our intention that our proposals will meet the needs of service users and their families by providing a variety of choices for them, ranging from residential care to assisting families to take a short break together."
Staff member Trudi Nemeth, said Earlsmoor was a much needed quality service.
She said: "This is not about bricks and mortar it is about a place that provides a homely atmosphere and a place of safety to people when they need it most."
People were urged to collect signatures for petitions and write and phone councillors who would decide Earlsmoor's fate.
Mr Jones added: "We must get more visible and be prepared to stand up in our fight to save Earlsmoor."
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19 Comments
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by James Sheridan, Swansea
Monday, November 30 2009, 9:25PM
“The article states, "Geraint Davies, the prospective parliamentary candidate for Swansea West said Earlsmoor had facilities worth fighting for", yet it his his Labour Party that leads the Assembly and his Labour led Westminster pals, that have continued to short change Wales in its funding of Services within the Unitary areas of Wales. The Block grant goes no where near to the levels it should be to fund Services in Wales. In fact, we have been pre-warned that Wales's funding will diminsh next year! Yet Labour were only to happy to help out the Banks, without consultation with the Electorate, with as many strings attached to the bailout, as what is attached to a Flute!
Yes, in an ideal world, facilities such as Earlsmoor should not close and should be properly managed, maintained and financed, for the use of by Vulnerable people and their Carers, but we do not live in an ideal world! Is a Westminster Wanabe going to save Earlsmoor!? I doubt it, as no doubt he is more looking forward to having the opportunity to refill his pen to fill in his Swansea West Parliamentary Expenses forms, if elected, to try and outdo what he Claimed when he was an MP before!”
by julia, Swansea
Monday, November 30 2009, 8:18PM
“Do you really think the council will build another purpose built
building to replace Earlsmoor. No they'll try and make respite available in one of their residential establishments. The service users are fighting for Earlsmoor because they enjoy their respite with carers they know in a seaside location which in summer allows them to be taken out along the prom or through the park. Don't run an establishment down until you've visited it.”
by Paul, West Cross
Monday, November 30 2009, 7:29PM
“"Realist."
Thank you for reading the article.
I hope that you understand now that you should not have taken the number "29" and divided it by 52.
Also, you seem to have the idea that I support the LibDem led Council. I do not.”
by Mr Realist, Mumbles
Monday, November 30 2009, 6:46PM
“Paul West x
Facts
1."Primarily looks after people who have just left Hospital" Wrong, Not Since January when half of Earlsmoor was closed and has been empty ever since.
2.Would not pass NEW building Regulations for a Residential or Nursing Home. Fact.
3."Swansea are committed to providing residential care " not in Earlsmoor they aren't. Fact
Do you wan't me to go on. Just wait and see after the December Meeting.”
by Paul, West Cross
Monday, November 30 2009, 6:26PM
“For "Realist" (who cannot read the article properly and is crap when it comes to info), Mumbles.
"The proposal will be discussed at the Council's Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Overview Board meeting at 10.30pm on Wednesday, December 2. Council chiefs say staff believe a total of 29 regular users will need the high level of care on offer at the site in the future ¿ between 12 and 15 use the facility each week."”