Blow as lift breaks down in care home

MHA, which runs Glen Rosa in Grove Road, Ilkley, refused to say when the lift broke but it is believed to have been out of operation for at least two weeks.

Extra staff helped keep residents occupied and meals were ferried upstairs where a lounge was transformed into a dining room.

Yesterday a spokesman for charity, part of MHA Care Group, said: "We are delighted that the lift at our care home in Ilkley is back in action. The problem was reported immediately and a replacement processor was sourced from outside the UK.

"We rearranged our communal space on the first floor so that one of the lounges served as a dining room where all meals were provided to residents, or alternatively they could choose to have their meals in their room. Our usual regular activities were held in the other lounge on the first floor.

"Additional staffing was provided to assist. Daily updates were provided to residents and staff who remained cheerful."

The health and social care regulator for England, the Care Quality Commission, was informed.

Ilkley councillor Martin Smith said: "I am sure it has been frustrating to them - not just the residents but to MHA. Lifts do not tend to go wrong often.

"I gather that the home is doing the best it can under the circumstances and making alterations as to how they support their residents in different ways."