‘Lives on hold’ due to closure of Cork nursing home

FAMILIES affected by a Cork nursing home closure have been forced to put their lives on hold, with some even travelling from as far as New Zealand to secure accommodation for their loved ones.

That’s according to Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley who said she has received correspondence from a number of people affected by the pending closure of Aperee Living in Belgooly.

The facility looks set to shut its doors on October 24.

Cllr Buckley raised the issue at yesterday’s meeting of the regional health forum for the southern region at County Hall.

Her concerns followed an announcement by the HSE who say they are stepping in to help residents of the facility.

Ms Buckley revealed how some families have been left in limbo by the closure.

“One family got in contact with me who are facing a lot of pressure,” she explained.

“The daughter had to come back from abroad because the father was on his own and is unable to look after his wife. She is now in Cork and her kids are back home.”

The HSE’s head of Health Wellbeing & Strategy, Gabrielle O’Keeffe, said that a timeframe to find alternative accommodation for residents is currently unavailable.

“Each person is individual in their preference,” she said. “They may wish to stay in their locality but unfortunately that option may not always be open to them.

“I think it’s a very individualist process for everyone.

“We can’t give a timeline at the moment as this is not currently feasible.

“However, there will be urgency in the next fortnight or so to try to find suitable solutions for everybody.

“We have a team working with residents and their families.

“The remaining 21 people are very concerned. However, we have a liaison team working with everyone who has been affected.”