Leeds Woman Calls Care Home 'A Lifeline' Amid Fears It Could Close

Published 15th Sep 2015

A Leeds woman says a care home in Armley - which faces closure - has been a lifeline for her family

Katherine Turner's dad suffers from a rare form of dementia - and goes to Middlecross around 5 times a week.

It's among three that are expected to be shut by the council amid budget cuts

If it closes - she faces some tough decisions for his future.

"I've no idea.. I think my dad would have to go into a care home permanently because there's no where else that can cope with him ... There's only apprarently one home that can cope with my dad's behaviours and that would be in Bradford. It would be quite a big strain on the family to get over and visit him and my dad doesn't want to go into a care home, he's really happy at Middlecross. "My dad's quite young - he's in his early sixties - and Middlecross has been a lifeline for the family. They absolutely look after him and he also goes there for respite care when my mum gets to the point when she can't cope anymore."

The other option would be to look after him at home which could be costly.

"My mum finds it really difficult to cope with my dad's behaviours because he's very demanding. They do have carers that go in and see him so I guess the only option - if he didn't go into a care home - would be to have round the clock carers coming in, which is obviously very expensive."

A decision about the three homes - including Siegen Manor in Morley and The Green in Seacroft - is expected to be made next week.