Skip to content
Pool Cottage care home in Melbourne closes its doors for the final time
A Derbyshire care home, whose lease was due to end in just over a year’s time after it could not meet the increased cost, has already closed its doors for the final time. Shortly after the proprietors of Pool Cottage Residential Home announced a month ago that the lease would expire in August 2024, the families of residents and the staff started to make plans to find alternative accommodation and jobs.
But this week (Monday, June 12), the Melbourne home announced it had closed. A spokesperson said: “A home that has been full of love, laughs, tears and magical moments finds itself at the end of an era. From all the residents that have spent their best and final days here, to all the staff that have brought an amazing homely feel to the care of the people who are often local, frail and vulnerable, the home has seen it all.
“This is a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Pool Cottage since it was first opened by Mr and Mrs Bellaby in 1983. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you and goodbye.”
It was accompanied by a photo of an empty chair and a lone vase of flowers and immediately resulted in an outpouring of affection and sorrow for the situation from families, supporters and former staff.
One upset former staff member remarked: “I am so heartbroken at the moment for the residents that were forced out of their home in their 90s and some on palliative care. I would like to thank Emma and Matt for giving me the chance to work there for the last eight years and trusting me as a senior to do what I’m capable of – looking after all the residents and especially trusting me when they are at the end of their life. Thank you.”
Another staff member added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have worked in this amazing care home for the final six months. I have met some wonderful people and it’s been great working with you all! It’s been an emotional rollercoaster this last month. Goodbye Pool Cottage.”
While a relative said: “Thank you to everyone for looking after our mum for the past 11 months. She had the best care and treatment that she could have wished for and it was a relief for us to know that she was safe and being looked after by such kind, caring, loving and patient carers. Good luck to you all in your future careers.”
A potential future resident was also very disappointed and said: “Definitely a sad day for all concerned. Personally was planning to spend my last days there as the pool is my favourite place in Melbourne. Rapidly approaching that time in my life when having to consider it. Gutted does not cover it.”
And one spoke for the thoughts of many people who left messages by saying: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Pool Cottage was an amazing home on beautiful grounds. What more could you ask for? I still can’t believe it’s all come to an end! Having worked there myself, you do form attachments to the residents who become part of your life. Great friendships are formed also amongst staff and the standard of care over the years has been exceptional! From Mr and Mrs Bellaby to Emma and Matt what an amazing job you have done! I’m hoping the former residents will be continued to be cared for just as well as you all did! Wishing each and every one of you all the best in whatever your future holds.”
Earlier in May, after the home announced the lease would not be renewed, the trustees of Melbourne Hall Estates revealed the care home’s management could not meet a proposed rent increase. At the time, the home, which could house up to 17 residents, had 13 staying.
A trustees’ statement said: “As the caretakers of the estate, the trustees understand that it must have the foundations to thrive in the 21st century. The current lease for Pool Cottage expires in August 2024 and discussions took place with the management of the home, Pool Cottage Ltd, on the feasibility of paying market rent for the property after 40 years of subsidised rent.
“The regretful decision to end the lease was based on the continued assessment of land assets on the estate and the operators not being able to meet a market rent.”
But within a couple of weeks, the first residents were re-located and the first member of staff left for another job despite there being no formal announcement about if and when the home would eventually close. Derbyshire Live has approached the Melbourne Hall Estate to ask what the plans are for the future of Pool Cottage.
Read next:
