A CARE home threatened with closure has said a big thank you to families of its residents who were determined to keep it open. The future of Cathryn Wheel House and its eight residents looked uncertain when Tracy and Gary Jepson decided to give up the reg

A CARE home threatened with closure has said a big thank you to families of its residents who were determined to keep it open.

The future of Cathryn Wheel House and its eight residents looked uncertain when Tracy and Gary Jepson decided to give up the registration of the home they had sold to a new owner on March 30.

But the Jepsons agreed to continue with the registration until new owner Glenda Hunt has been allowed to take it on.

Senior carer Cheryl Heaps said: "The staff and residents were worried for a short while that it was going to close. Gary did close the home but they took it back the same day. One resident has gone to another home.

"All the families have been wonderful, ringing the inspectors to give us their support and tell them what a nice home it is. I have already said thank you to them for their support."

Mrs Heaps has worked at the home for 18 years, joining the staff shortly after it opened. She said: "It is a small and very nice home, everyone is very friendly and the residents like it here."

However, she did agree there had been several concerns about procedures in the home in recent months, highlighted in reports by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

In November, inspectors reported: "A requirement has been made to ensure that adequate supplies of medication are held in the home so that medication prescribed for residents does not run out.

"Medication records must be kept up to date and accurately reflect what medication is prescribed for residents, what is administered to residents, and if not administered, the reason for omission.

"A requirement has been made for staff to be trained and assessed to be competent in administering and recording of medication."

Mrs Heaps said the new owner intended to employ a manager and other staff were to undergo further training. She said: "No-one has been over medicated, but we know staff will have to be better trained on dealing with medication.