Owner found for care home

Director of Blossom Care Home Limited Anu Sachdev has moved to reassure relatives that Stonehouse will not close and residents will not be moved.

Relatives contacted the Reporter last week after they were told the home was in danger of losing its licence and shutting down. Previous Stonehouse owner Vandana Sachdev faces a court hearing later this month into her businesses finances. Her businesses could be wound up.

Many residents at Stonehouse are extremely vulnerable and many suffer from dementia. Moving residents between homes is known to increase the risk of death.

New owner Anu Sachdev is a relation of Mrs Sachdev, but said her company was entirely separate. She said: “Nobody is moving unless the relatives want them to and the home is not closing down.

“Even moving people from upstairs to downstairs can be the beginning of the end. It can have diabolical effects. That is the last thing we want for them.”

Anu Sachdev, who has worked in the care industry since 2008, explained that she was only looking after the home on a temporary basis. She understands that a buyer currently has an application pending with the Care Quality Commission and is willing to buy the home and run it on a permanent basis.

Vandana Sachdev took over the home in January 2011. The relative of a resident last week complained that standards at the home had been slipping since Mrs Sachdev had moved down to Coventry.

Anu Sachdev explained that her relative was unable to be on call as she is having to look after her disabled husband, who is suffering severe ill-health. Anu Sachdev also thanked Kirklees Council and Mr and Mrs Sachdev for their help and support in temporarily taking over the business.