Concern for dementia patients as Chadwell Heath day centre axed

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Wednesday, March 13, 2013
8:00 AM

A Chadwell Heath centre that supports people with dementia is being closed.

The Living Well Resource Centre, in Chadwell Heath Lane, provides a range of day services for people living with the illness and their carers.

But it is being axed as part of a cut of more than £500,000 to part of the adult social services budget over the coming year.

Redbridge Council plans to provide the same services in other centres around the borough, including Elderberries Day Centre, in Woodford Green.

A woman, who did not want to be named, said her mother uses the centre two days a week.

She said: “The Living Well centre is the only one for our area and sending dementia patients somewhere else will confuse them even more.

“My mum doesn’t like travelling, it really disorientates her.

“She heard about the move and it’s worrying her. She keeps coming home saying they don’t want her back.

“But when they come to pick her up she’s so happy.”

A council spokesman said people will have individual support plans to access “wider community services”.

It is likely that many people will receive services at Elderberries Day Centre, in Broadmead Road, instead.

The spokesman said the change would result in “less travelling” for some patients.

Cllr John Fairley-Churchill, the cabinet member for adult social services and health, said: “We will be assessing everyone who uses the centre and looking at the most appropriate way of satisfying their needs.

“I have been convinced this is the best way of doing it.”

According to budget proposals, services at Abury House, in Newbury Park, Kielder Close, in Hainault, and Mulberry Lodge, in Barkingside, are also being “re-provided”.

Any buildings deemed surplus after the change will be sold and proceeds put towards meeting savings targets.