Move makes a ‘massive difference’

80-year-old Keith Gerred is a happy man. Having recently moved from Cornwall Care’s Mountford House in Truro, he’s now safely living at the charity’s Trevern home in Falmouth.

 

Keith’s daughter Rachel Gerred-Hart and other family members are equally delighted. They live in the Falmouth area and are finding it much easier to visit and take Keith out.

 

“Having Dad so much closer is making a massive difference,” said Rachel. “The move went very smoothly, and Dad loves it at Trevern.

 

“He lived and worked in Penryn for 46 years and knows a lot of people here. He was a roofer and scaffolder and then became an official pall bearer at funerals. He was also a British Legion standard bearer for fifteen years.”

 

Mountford House is one of three homes that Cornwall Care is having to temporarily close during an organisational restructure that aims to streamline operations, whilst maintaining excellent standards of care. The home is merging with nearby Redannick and many staff and residents are now based there.

 

“Moving Dad out of Mountford was very emotional because he’d been there for three years, so there were plenty of tears,” said Rachel. “As a family, we’re very grateful he’s been well looked after - but are over the moon he’s much nearer to us now.”

 

Anita Harris, Cornwall Care’s Strategy and Planning Director, has been heavily involved in the charity’s transformation process.

 

“Change is never easy and I’m very aware of the anxiety our announcement in January caused,” she said.  “We’ve been working very hard to ensure the wishes and preferences of all those involved are prioritised and have been offering as much help and support as possible.

 

 “It’s wonderful that Keith has settled quickly into our Trevern home, where his granddaughter works as a carer, and I wish him and his loving family continuing health and happiness in the months and years to come.”