DAYS after a dementia care home in Pontypool announced its closure, a second, owned by the same company, has followed suit.

Mill View House and Lodge in Newbridge cares for 41 residents with dementia is the second home run by HC-One to be axed.

St Dunstan’s care home in Griffithstown for dementia sufferers, which has 28 residents, closed earlier this week.

HC-One took over both homes in November 2011.

In separate statements, HC-One cited the layout of the homes and “difficulty in attracting suitably qualified staff” as the reasons for closing both homes.

The HC-One spokesman said this meant they could not provide the standard of care required for residents and led to the “difficult decision”.

Aspokeswomen for Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Caerphilly council said that they are working to find an alternative nursing home for residents at Mill View and Torfaen council previously said they would assist with residents at St Dunstan’s.

She said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety and well being of residents, many of whom have significant and complex needs.”

A date is yet to be set for the closure of Mill View, St Dunstan’s closes at the end of October.

HC-One said there are no current plans to close further care homes in Gwent.

An Aneurin Bevan Health Board spokesman said that it is unlikely that all residents can be relocated into their current geographical area as there are currently no elderly, mentally infirm (EMI) beds available in Torfaen.

He added: “We have contacted all the local nursing homes in the areas and will ensure that any vacancies that become available will be secured for those residents needing to transfer. No resident will be placed in a home that is not suitable for their needs.”

Inspection finds lack of stimulation at care home A REPORT on St Dunstan’s, published by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales on July 5, following an inspection on May 31, outlined that residents’ “personal care, physical and mental-health needs would be met by staff in a timely manner”.

On the date of the inspection, one resident waited three hours after breakfast to be helped to leave the dining table.

Another individual, who was nutritionally at risk, was not taken into the dining room on time so missed breakfast.

The report states that “residents could also not be confident that their need for warmth and belonging would be met.”

It also highlights that there was lack of opportunities for socialisation and mental stimulation, which increased the risk of boredom and social isolation for people with dementia.

Staff are reported as not feeling listened to by the organisation, with nothing being done to address their concerns regarding a lack of staff resources.

A spokesman for HC-One said that this report had no bearings on the closure decision.