Case Studies

A daughter's experience of her mother being evicted from her care home . Read the family's story here https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1300280/care-home-evicts-elderly-woman

Michaela and her mother before she went into a care home

My mother is currently a resident in a care home in Lincolnshire. We received a 28-day eviction notice. This was due to my 73-year-old frail father waving to my mother from a public footpath outside the home. They have been married for over 50 years and rely heavily on each other. The distance between them is over 6 meters. That is the basis of the eviction. (See CCFTV NEWS) https://www.carecampaignforthevulnerable.com/news/959/ccftv-stop-our-vulnerable-elderly-in-care-homes-being-faced-with-unfai/

Mkchaela's mother's belongings ready for her to move out of her care home during coronavirus lockdown

''We are astounded to be told at 630pm our mother would be leaving the next day, with no new care home found''

The footpath where Michaela's dad waved to his wife of fifty years

We agreed to the eviction but said in our letter we may not be able to move mum in the 28 days due to current circumstances regarding Covid-19. Moving a relative in the middle of a pandemic is not something any relative wishes to do. We want to ensure that mum moves to a safe COVID free home, we cannot at the moment view any homes or speak to staff. In short, we cannot ascertain what homes suit mums needs. Choosing a home is not something you can do by simply phoning and booking a place. However, we have been looking at homes.

Mum is on the priority list for another home but it is currently full. Mum requires two carers and 24 hr care. She is immobile and wheelchair dependent. She requires a hoist for moving her. Mum has multiple pressure ulcers. Including a grade 3 on her calf and before lockdown a grade 4 on her heel. She is under the care of the Tissue Viability nurse and is having specialist dressings. Her pressure ulcers cause her immense pain therefore pain management is crucial. Mum requires a home that can meet her needs.

Michaela's parents in their younger days

A care home manager read a letter out to my mother with no family present threatening eviction and giving a list of ‘requirements’ she and our family comply with. This has had an immense impact on mum’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. She now stutters constantly due to stress. The letter was full of allegations that were incorrect and I did respond. I addressed the complete inaccuracies (CCFTV has seen all correspondence). We have tried to work with the home but they have not attempted to work in partnership with the family. We have no issues with the care it is the intimidating and bullying tactics of management that we are concerned about.

I emailed the care home and their Deputy Head of Counsel on the 28th May as requested by them following mums eviction letter. This was to inform them that we could not make the given date of 5th June to move mum and request an extension. I did not receive a reply. I emailed again on the 3rd of June. I received a phone call from the Manager informing me that mum would not be given an extension. I discussed my concerns and she was to contact me following discussions with her senior. I also asked for the refusal of an extension to be put in writing. I heard nothing back until yesterday evening at 6.28 pm. I received an email with a letter attached informing me that mum is to be moved today giving less than 24 hrs notice.

''This situation has had a profound effect on my father's health'' Michaela.

We could not move our mum with so little notice and without the ability to view any homes. Due to COVID, it was not possible. Mum has complex care needs and had a double stroke last year which has left her immobile. She has dense left-sided hemiplegia. She is suffering from stress and anxiety following this care provider handling of the matter. We have not told mum she is being evicted as we are very concerned that the impact and stress will cause another stroke and possible kill my mum. She is aware that she will be moving but it was to be a planned move.

''My father's health has declined too''

The situation is also having a profound effect on my father’s health. We have not contested the eviction but have asked for an extension. The extension was refused to us by an email on the evening on 4th June 2020 instructed us our sick mum was to be out the following day (5th June) We were astounded the provider could do this to an elderly resident who has many complex care needs and during Coronavirus”

CCFTV made contact with the CEO of this care home group asking for more time for the family to help make safe their mother's transition to another care home. Thankfully, the two-week extension was finally agreed. They are now preparing to move their mother. If you would like to contact this family regarding their experience in care, please forward on your contact details and after verifying CCFTV will put you in touch at the family's request.

An update from the family to CCFTV

''We have now finally moved our mother into her new care home. Thankfully it was a stress-free and smooth transition. The new home and staff were very understanding and made my mother very welcome. The care workers came to her room and introduced themselves to her. My mother was very much at ease and our family can not thank Care Campaign for the Vulnerable enough. Your support has been incredible at such a stressful and distressing time for our family.''