24 OAPs left needing new accommodation as Houghton care home set to close

Adey Gardens, in Newbottle, Houghton, is set to shut on Wednesday after it fell into liquidation.

The South Street home is a two-storey purpose built facility which is registered to provide care to 35 older people, some of whom have nursing care needs.

Bosses say 24 clients who currently live there will need to find alternative arrangements.

Almost 30 staff at the home will be losing their jobs as well.

Sunderland City Council has confirmed it is aware of the impending closure and is helping residents and families affected.

The home’s manager Wendy Walker said today: “It is with regret that I can confirm that Adey Gardens Care Home will be closing as early as next Wednesday.

“We were informed on Tuesday that the home had been placed in liquidation.

“All staff were informed by the liquidators that the home would close on June 15 and as such this would be their last working day.

“All clients living at Adey Gardens would need to find an alternative care home to provide their care by Wednesday, June 15.

Ms Walker added: “Naturally, clients and their families and advocates are angry with the short time scale given to find alternative care facilities.”

“I would like to stress that myself, my staff and families are working as close as possible with the local authority and clinical commissioning group to ensure alternative accommodation can be found with as minimal stress to the client as possible.

“Staff are in consultation through their representative with the liquidators following the redundancy procedures and process.

“The manager has been told along with the staff that low occupancy and the minimum living wage has mainly contributed to the home closure.

Coun Graeme Miller, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for health, housing and adult services, said: “The welfare of residents living in care homes in Sunderland is of paramount importance to the city council.

“The council is aware of the situation at Adey Gardens Care Home and already engaged with residents, family members and staff.

“Steps have been taken by the council to start supporting residents and families to find alternative care homes, in preparation for the planned closure.”

Do you have a relative who is going to be affected by the closure of the home? Call our newsdesk on 501 7326.