A care home in Essex that’s home to over 50 elderly residents has announced that it will be closing permanently. Families have been informed that The Whitecroft care home in Grays will be shutting its doors due to the construction of a new A-Road that will link Gravesend in Kent to Thurrock in Essex.
The National Highways and care provider Runwood Homes, which runs The Whitecroft, were unable to find a solution that would keep the care home open while allowing for the construction to go ahead. However, construction has been delayed until 2027 to find alternative accommodation for the residents. The project is expected to cost £10billion, and will see the construction of a 60-metre (197ft)-deep tunnel below the Thames.
Sharing news of the closure of The Whitecroft, a spokesperson for Runwood Homes told Express.co.uk: “It is with great sadness that Runwood Homes has begun consultation on the need to permanently close The Whitecroft and to find long-term alternative care and accommodation for all residents.
“It was made clear to us that it would not be possible to operate the home with all the LTC and associated works going on around the home.”
While the consultation is under way, no new residents will be admitted to The Whitecroft.
Thurrock Council will be reassessing the needs of all residents and ensuring that any new home placement will meet their needs, and both Rundwood Homes and the council will offer support throughout the transfer process.
The spokesperson concluded: “We have been searching for an alternative site in conjunction with Thurrock Council but nothing was available. Runwood Homes has substantial experience in consulting, preparing and then transferring residents to new placements in a way that promotes continuity of care and their well-being.”
Speaking to the BBC, Linda Apperley, whose 83-year-old mother is a current Whitecroft resident, said: “My mum has dementia and when the time comes for her to move, it’s going to have such a detrimental effect.
“She’s going to be split up from friends she’s made. I’m concerned for my mum but also for other residents because some don’t have anyone to fight their corner.
“The email says the home will permanently close but we don’t know when. It also states there are very few, if any, vacancies elsewhere. I can’t stress enough how this will affect everyone.”