Daughter denied best care says mum

Ellen Birnie claims the department is intentionally holding up an application for funding to send her daughter, Pat, to the Care Stanley Grange community at Samlesbury.

Pat, 40, has already been offered a place at Stanley Grange, which provides accommodation and workshops in a range of skills for adults with learning disabilities.

But unless Mrs Birnie can secure funding from social services by today Pat will lose the place.

Mrs Birnie said: "Pat has been on the waiting list for Stanley Grange for 13 years. A place was offered to her six years ago, but social services immediately opposed it. They said they believed she would be best cared for in the community. They dragged it out so long that Stanley Grange withdrew the offer."

Pat is now living in shared accommodation in Blackburn, but Mrs Birnie still feels Stanley Grange would be the best place for her.

She said: "The main difference between Stanley Grange and where she is now is that at Stanley Grange she would be occupied 52 weeks a year. At present her activities are all piecemeal. She goes to Accrington and Rossendale College, but the college is only open 32 weeks a year. She needs constant occupation."

Mrs Birnie said she was also impressed by Stanley Grange's policy of caring for older people and feared that if Pat remains in the community, she will end up in a nursing home.

A social services spokesman said he was unable to discuss specific details, but added: "We can confirm that Miss Birnie is known to this department and has been in receipt of a variety of services and support. We are aware of the offer of alternative care arrangements and are considering the position in the context of Miss Birnie's current care needs and the effect of a move upon her."

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