Dorothy Devereux, a former nurse at Woodlands for 12 years, now resides at the facility as a resident at the age of 93. She expressed her attachment to the place, referring to it as her home with all her belongings there.
Last year, Woodlands faced closure by the Reform-run Lancashire County Council to cut costs, causing distress to Dorothy and her fellow residents. In response, a group of residents, including individuals aged 83 to 100, penned an open letter urging voters to prevent Nigel Farage’s party from gaining more council seats in the upcoming elections.
Dorothy emphasized the importance of voting and speaking out against Reform, highlighting the significance of dignity and stability for elderly residents. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Woodlands has caused anxiety among residents, with concerns about potential privatization or fee increases.
Family members of residents, like Frances Duxbury and Wayne Campbell, shared the impact of the situation on their loved ones, emphasizing the positive environment at Woodlands and the detrimental effects of closure on residents’ well-being.
Following public outcry, Reform announced they would not close the care homes but instead invest in them. However, concerns were raised about a Reform councillor’s involvement in a private care company. The situation in Lancashire and Derbyshire raised alarms among campaigners and union representatives about the implications of Reform’s decisions.
The Lancashire County Council is set to review the outcome of the consultation and consider next steps in response to the community’s concerns. The residents and families at Woodlands, along with other elderly individuals, have urged the public to vote in the local elections to safeguard the care and dignity of older people and prevent further closures and disruptions in care services.
