Over recent weeks I have been contacted by the families of residents at Burdett House, a retirement and assisted living facility in Histon run by the charity Abbeyfield, with regards to concerns about its planned closure date, and how this will affect elderly residents and their efforts to find new accommodation at this difficult time.
Having previously liaised with the charity during its consultation on its planned closure, I wrote to the Chief Executive of Abbeyfield after I was made aware of concerns about recent correspondence residents had received, and have since recently spoken with Abbeyfield representatives about this matter. During the discussion and as part of their correspondence they have shared me since, Abbeyfield confirmed that the decision to close Burdett House was made after a lengthy consultation process and that whilst that decision to close the facility remains in place, the charity said that they would not be establishing a new closure date until further time had passed and the impact of the easing of restrictions had been assessed. I was pleased to hear that they are working with residents to try and support them into alternative accommodation.
Whilst I recognise the need to establish a timetable for its closure, it is right that Abbeyfield give residents the time and support they require so that they can find alternative accommodation as safely as possible, as well as support their staff as they seek new employment as a result of the decision to close Burdett House.
