Councillor hits out at news of elderly forced to leave Horsham care home

Christian Mitchell (Con, Holbrook West) was responding to the news that more than 20 vulnerable residents are being forced out of their home.

Southern Housing Group claim there is ‘decreased demand’ for services at Evelyn Lancaster House off North Heath Lane.

Plans are in place to completely refurbish the building, forcing a total of 21 residents to vacate the home.

The group has been speaking with a number of organisations about options for the future of the building.

It has agreed to work closely with one of these to possibly transfer ownership of the scheme.

But it could not confirm whether it will re-open as a care home.

Mr Mitchell said: “This is of course very sad news for the residents of Evelyn Lancaster home and their families to learn of the closure. Moving house for anyone is stressful but one can only imagine what it must be like to find yourself forced to have to move from your home at a time in one’s life when you look for stability and comfort and seek to avoid change.

“I am pleased that Southern Housing Group, Social Services and other agencies are working together with the residents and their families to manage the move for the residents as sensitively as possible.

“I appreciate that Southern Housing Group have concluded in their review that they do not believe the scheme remains viable under the existing arrangements as the demand for the type of accommodation at Evelyn Lancaster has reduced over the years and more modern premises are being developed elsewhere within the district.

“But we will all want to know why something that in relative terms is modern and ‘new’ is now deemed to be inappropriate in terms of demand when set against the trend of an ageing population.”

Regional director of Southern Housing Group Guy Collar said: “Due to the decreased demand for the services at Evelyn Lancaster House,

Southern Housing Group has had to review its future. The scheme has become outdated and half of the units are empty. There are proposals to completely refurbish the building, which means, it must be vacant before any works can commence.”

There is no specified closing date for the home.

Mr Collar continued: “We are currently working with the local authority and other local housing providers to find alternative accommodation for the 21 residents who remain in residence.

“We have provided initial notification to these residents and their families of these changes and will be meeting with them collectively and individually to discuss their housing options. Ensuring their future well-being and identifying accommodation which meets their needs is of paramount importance. We will also ensure residents are fully supported with their move, both practically and financially.”