A WINSFORD care home which has failed numerous inspections is to close.

Morningside Rest Home is being shut down on January 29, almost two years after health watchdog the Care Quality Commission placed it in special measures.

Shocked relatives were given just 10 days to find alternative accommodation for their frail loved ones.

Families attended a crisis meeting at the home on Swanlow Lane last night and were told by administrators that the home is closing next Tuesday.

"We are absolutely devastated," said Myles Bradley, from Winsford, who has two elderly relatives living at Morningside.

"It's a terrible situation. If someone was kicking me out of my house I'd want more than 10 days."

Myles' nan Nancy Hardman, in her 80s, has been at the home for 10 years and his step nan Peggy Astbury, in her 70s, has lived there for two years.

"They are both happy and really settled there," said Myles. "It's their home, they've been there for so long, they've formed friendships. This is the last time they're ever going to see all their friends, they've got seven days to say goodbye. It's an abrupt ending for them."

Anxious relatives are now desperately trying to find another home for their loved ones but there seems to be a shortage of suitable places in Winsford.

"My mum and aunties are ringing round but they could only find one space in a Winsford nursing home," said Myles. "They might have to move much further away.

"It was quite handy having this one on the doorstep. My mum doesn't drive so we'll have to rally round to take her wherever my nan goes.

"Some of these old people haven't got any relatives, what happens to them?"

Myles is also concerned about the effect a move could have on the health of the elderly residents, many of whom have dementia and Alzheimer's.

He fears the sudden change could be detrimental.

"At that age you never know there could be problems," he said. "They are used to their own routine, all the carers and their rooms."

Families have nothing but praise for all the staff, who they say, have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

"The staff have been absolutely brilliant," added Myles. "They've stayed on unsure whether they will get paid.

"The new manager has been fantastic. She has been great and worked hard to turn things around. There was a massive improvement.

"All I want is for people in local authorities and homes to come forward if they have any spaces. Also if they can help the staff who have lost their jobs."

An inspection in January 2017 ruled that the service was 'not safe' due to concerns surrounding medication management.

The home was rated 'inadequate' and kept under review

Subsequent inspections, made every six months, placed the care home on the brink of closure after finding serious failings in thet safety and effectiveness of care and inadequate leadership.

The latest inspection in October says the home still 'requires improvement' in the areas of safety, effectiveness, caring and responsiveness and that its leadership is still 'inadequate'.

However, some improvements had been made since the last inspection.

The inspector said: "Staff presented as much happier and family members we spoke with commented that they had noticed this.

A new inspector had come into post five weeks before the last inspection.

Relatives told inspectors: "The manager is a breath of fresh air" and "the home seems better overall".

Cheshire West and Cheshire Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, Cllr Paul Dolan, said: “Since hearing the news that directors of Morningside Residential Home in Winsford have signed and filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, council officers have been working round the clock to support 15 residents and their families as well as the dedicated staff.


“The decision will undoubtedly raise some anxieties. For reassurance the council immediately held face-to-face meetings with residents, their families and staff at the home and is now working to find alternative accommodation solutions that meet the individual needs of each resident.

“Older people in care have the right to expect that they will be safe and protected.

"Our priority is to protect all residents at Morningside Residential Home and we would like to reassure them and their relatives that we will find safe and appropriate alternative accommodation that’s right for them in what must be a difficult time.”