Lanarkshire family 'heartbroken' in search of new home for 93-year-old mum
The Scottish Government rejected a funding bid from the regions Integrated Joint Board to keep McClymont Care Home open
A family impacted by the closure of a Lanark care home are telling us their elderly mum "might not survive" the upheaval.
In March, South Lanarkshire's Integrated Joint Board (IJB) - a partnership between the local authority and the local health board - agreed to ask the Scottish Government for funding to help keep two care homes open.
Without it, both McClymont House in Lanark and Dewar House in Hamilton would close down as the IJB looked to fulfil a legal requirement to balance the books amid a £33m funding gap.
Last week, the Scottish Government rejected the emergency bid for £780,000 to keep both venues open.
READ MORE: 'Bitterly disappointed': Two South Lanarkshire care homes to close
'I really don't know whether my mother will survive'
Now, the family of 93-year-old resident, Margaret, are on the look out for her new home.
Allanna MacDonald, Margaret's daughter, is telling Greatest Hits Radio she fears her mother would not survive the move due to her Alzheimers and dementia.
She said: "I feel exasperated, angry, let-down, and I feel decieved.
"To say that the news has been devastating would be the understatement of this year.
"We've been put through this consultation period which was purely a tick box exercise, with an agonising campaign for them to totally ignore it.
READ MORE: Campaigners march through Lanark urging council not to close care home
"We believe McCylmont was the best possible place for our loved ones to be looked after for the rest of their lives, but it seems balancing the books was more important than the human beings who lived there.
"Going forward now, my poor mother at 93 years of age, and in the end stages of her journey with Alzheimers and dementia, has to be removed from her home.
"We now need to go and look for another home where she'll be safe, loved and cared for at the same standard she's been cared for over the last seven years.
"I really don't know whether my mother will survive."
READ MORE: Social Care Minister to meet McClymont care home campaigners
'The process will not be unduly rushed'
A spokesperson for the IJB had said the process will be taken forward in line with national guidance.
They added: "This will ensure each resident’s individual needs and views are considered properly, safety and wellbeing protected, and within an appropriate timescale.
“The Care Inspectorate stipulate that in the event that a care home is to be closed that a minimum of 13 weeks’ notice is given for deregistration.
"Having given careful consideration to the consultation report an extended closure period of 7 months has been recommended and budgeted for.
"This is to provide added reassurance that the process will not be unduly rushed and necessary care will be given to finding an appropriate placement for each resident.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for a response.