Community
North London care home to close because of 'financial consequences of the pandemic'
Jewish Choice says it cannot afford to continue operating below capacity at its Wembley premises
February 2, 2021 17:04
Jewish Choice says it cannot afford to continue operating below capacity at its Wembley premises
February 2, 2021 17:04The Jewish Choice care home in Wembley will close later this year, a victim of the “financial consequences of the pandemic”.
The home was formerly known as Edinburgh House and prior to that, as the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Home. Its origins date back centuries.
It currently comprises 51 residential rooms and 16 independent living apartments.
Leaders say that despite anticipating many of the government requirements since the start of the crisis and the home being Covid-free since spring, it could not sustain operating at below capacity.
The board had taken the decision with “great regret”.
It is anticipated that by autumn, arrangements will be made with “comparable care homes”, and in consultation with local authorities, to organise a seamless transfer of residents.
Families have been informed of the situation and will receive updates.
Jewish Choice chair Bernard Mocatta paid tribute to the “heroic and selfless work” of staff. However, “the financial consequences of the pandemic have caused serious disruption to the home’s finances. The home is losing money at too high a rate for us to continue. Staffing is already at a level that cannot be cut further to comply with the government’s standards of cover and care. We are hopeful that we can arrange an orderly placement of our residents and treat our wonderful staff in a fair manner."
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