Phoenix House in Formby has shock closure giving just 7 days notice

Phoenix House Care Home has been a part of our community for over 30 years providing care for the elderly on Andrews Lane in Formby.

Residents were shocked to receive letters dated 18th May giving seven days notice of its closure. The letter read: "It is with deep regret that we inform you that the Phoenix House Care Home will be closing down on Friday 26th May at 2pm. We have reluctantly made this decision to close because the premises do not meet the needs of our residents and our staff."

"It is the responsibility of families and representatives, to liaise with their local council adult services where necessary and organise the move to another care service. It has been a very tough decision to close the home."

"We understand that this will be an anxious time, whilst you find another care service. We are truly sorry for the worry and inconvenience to your loved ones, caused by the closure of the home. We will do our best to provide you with support and assistance."

One resident's daughter told the Bubble: "Residents had to find alternative care homes within one week. Staff who had been employed for between 17 years and 3 weeks were out of work. Callous owner really didn't care and pushed for closure in 6 days. Sefton Social Services had to step in to help find alternative accommodation for elderly people who were upset and confused by the closure."

"The owner was rude and aggressive to me when I was moving my mum (87), and there are many many items that couldn't be found such as false teeth and items donated for a fundraising Summer day."

Phoenix House has now closed down. The home provided accommodation and support for up to 30 people and had a Registered Manager on site. It was on the more affordable side of care with prices btween £389 - £434 a week.

Formby Bubble spoke to owner Kelvin Bacon who also owns Maryland Care Home in School Lane in Formby. Kelvin explained: "Despite getting very good reviews at the last inspection in April, we were left with no alternative but to close due to the building itself not being able to comply with new regulations. For instance, the 28 en-suite bathrooms are no longer sufficient and need to be 'wet rooms' and there simply was not the space available in the building. It would have needed significant investment to meet with modern standards going forward."

"It was unfortunate for ourselves to be in this situation and difficult to give more notice. Once staff were told, some actually left the same day and leaving the closure date any longer would have left residents in a vulnerable situation. Most staff pulled together and we identified a suitable home in Southport who were able to take most of the residents along with the staff and they are all happy with their new home."

"Sefton Social Services came in and packed up all the residents belongings into boxes, if anything is missing, it is them that you need to speak to. All the staff were paid and it was a successful closure."