Calls for care provision in Llanrwst

Feb 4 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Mair Roberts

ANGRY town councillors in Llanrwst are calling on Conwy to provide a dedicated day care facility following the closure of Dolanog care home.

The calls for a day care service for the Conwy Valley’s pensioners came after the discovery that the £7.25million Hafan Gwydir care scheme, which opened in November last year, does not provide any day care services to non-residents.

At a recent town council meeting councillors expressed their concern about the lack of day care after hearing the plight of a Penmachno pensioner Mair Roberts, who used to attend Dolanog twice a week for day centre activities.

Cllr Christine Humphreys said: “It really concerned me when it was announced three to four years ago they were looking into closing Dolanog but luckily we have had a housing association come in but I am now concerned that the only day care near to here is as far away as Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.”

The comments followed a letter to the council from Conwy’s chief executive Byron Davies in which he explained there was “only ever a very restricted amount of day care” available at Dolanog, saying OAPs only used to “pop in for a cup of tea on occasion, however this was not a formal arrangement”.

Llanrwst mayor Pat Rowley said his letter didn’t answer any of their questions regarding day care facilities for the area. She said: “I know of a lot of elderly people in the area not only from Llanrwst, who used to go to Dolanog on a regular basis and they miss it.”

94 year-old Penmachno pensioner Mair Roberts said she attended Dolanog twice a week for the past six years until it closed. Her daughter Beryl Hughes said her mother became depressed without her twice weekly outings.

“My mother loved going to Dolanog she got a hot meal there, joined in the activities and was taken to the Llanrwst Darby and Joan club every Thursday,” she said.

“Since it closed in November she has been really down in the dumps and depressed

“I have had to really fight to get her a trail day at Hafan Gwydir, but at first they said they couldn’t even give her a hot meal while there and she will have to amuse herself and can only use the coffee shop.

“She would have just been forgotten if I hadn’t fought to get her the trial day at Hafan Gwydir. I don’t want to rock the boat but how many more elderly people in the Conwy Valley are also missing out? She’s worked hard all her life and paid into the state, its the least she deserves.”

Joanna Griffiths, Head of Social Services said: “Conwy Social Services provides day care services in partnership with private and voluntary organisations throughout the county. Day care isn’t offered at Hafan Gwydir but people can visit the cafe for food. Some clients just need support to continue a routine they enjoy, for example help with transport. Our reviewing officers work on a one-to-one basis with all clients to find the best solution for them.”

A Conwy spokesperson added: “There is not a day centre in Llanrwst, but groups such as the Clwb Gwydir luncheon club meet regularly. If people need day care we can arrange for them to go to an independent sector home. Short term respite (up to 2 weeks) is also available at Hafan Gwydir.”