Relieved to hear son’s day centre is safe

1:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in

A CARER has spoken of his relief after a council boss quashed rumours that the day centre used by his disabled son would close.

Worcestershire County Council hopes to save £1.3 million through an overhaul of day centre services but some carers were concerned that this would mean some day centres closing, including Cherry Orchard in Worcester.

Ivan Fowler, aged 67, of Martley, near Worcester, together with his wife Pat care for their son Ben, 35, who has cerebral palsy and right-sided hemiplegia.

Mr Fowler said he was reassured by Maria Hicks, manager of provider services at Worcestershire County Council, who answered questions from an audience of 30 people at Perdiswell Young People’s Club yesterday at a meeting which was organised by the Worcestershire Association of Carers.

He said: “If her assurances hold it has a good chance of working out for most people.

“She was trying to do her best to answer the questions that were put to her.

“It’s not as bad as I thought – at least they’re not closing the centre.

“It was enlightening and we heard straight from the horses’s mouth that they’re not going to close any centres.

“They’re going to be making savings but the interests of users are going to be a priority.

“They won’t do anything detrimental to users. My son Ben will probably stay at Cherry Orchard, which will suit him because he likes going there. I feel a lot more relaxed now.”

Judy Adams, spokesperson for the Worcestershire Association of Carers, said: “I genuinely do think carers are somewhat reassured by the message we had in the meeting but it is very important they make sure their needs are put forward through a carer’s assessment.”

The council expects fewer people to be using the centres from April because they will receive care direct from their care home provider.

Council leaders say changes to the system will lead to improved support for people with “profound and multiple disabilities”, more support in the community and improved access to employment.

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