Southend Blind Welfare Organisation announces the closure of its care home, Elkington House:
This decision has been taken because of the changing nature of the needs of the visually impaired in Southend and the support the charity seeks to offer that must meet those changing needs. The charity was set up with the objective of welfare support for visually impaired people and their families in Southend-on-Sea and adjacent areas. Elkington House had an important part to play in the early days of Southend Blind Welfare Organisation but it is in less demand now for the visually impaired as a care home. Recent years have seen it move away from the central aim of the charity.
The charity’s Community Services Division, Southend in Sight, offers an extensive variety of everyday support for a wide range of people, young and old. From social activities to special equipment for daily living, from hospital liaison to IT training, the demand on its services is high and is set to increase. Southend in Sight will be able to continue and develop its important work in the community and to cater for more people in the future once the charity has consolidated its activities to the Resource Centre within its base at Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea.
The Board of Trustees Chair, Russell Cable quotes
“We are tremendously proud of the loyal and dedicated staff at Elkington House who provide an exemplary standard of care for the residents. Many of the staff have worked at the home for more than a decade.
The decision to close Elkington House has not been taken lightly and it is with great regret that we must follow this course of action. The charity was set up in the 1950s to benefit the blind and visually impaired. At that time there was a need for a residential home for people with sight loss but as time has moved on, the charity’s work has changed and evolved so we now work much more with people in the community and in their own homes.
The Board of Trustees is clear that more can be done to help a greater number of people living with sight loss or visual impairment by focusing on the work done by Southend in Sight and the many innovative ideas and plans it has for the future.”
Elkington House Care Home finally closed at the end of January 2022. All residents have been helped to find alternative accommodation. The staff and trustees worked closely with relatives to ensure a smooth transition.
ELKINGTON HOUSE CARE HOME PROVIDES
Warm and cosy personalised bedrooms.
Traditional home cooking prepared on the premises with a choice of menu.
Visitors welcome at all times.
Own GP if required.
17 Single and 4 double rooms, many with en-suite facilities.
Two lifts, lounge, day room and garden lounge.
Daily in-house activities.
Religious services can be provided.
Individual phone and TV’s can be provided by arrangement.
Ramp to large garden with guide rails.
Hairdresser, chiropodist and optician visit regularly.
Fees include personal care, catering and laundry.
MORE INFORMATION
Elkington House Care Home, 9 Imperial Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 8NE
SOUTHEND IN SIGHT
117 Hamlet Court Road,Southend Insight
Southend in Sight is the Community Services Division of Southend Blind Welfare Organisation. Southend Blind Welfare Organisation is an independent charity providing practical support and advice to those living with visual impairment and blindness in the Southend-on-Sea area. Registered Charity No: 1069765