Somerset Care’s director of care services has said the company will address issues with its service, but stopped short of offering an apology to residents at Lyes Grove sheltered housing.
Eoin Keogh, who joined Somerset Care in 2010 and became director of care services in January 2012, spoke exclusively to the Wiltshire Times this week, after the residents in Dilton Marsh claimed the care provider had let them down.
Residents said since Wiltshire Council gave Somerset Care the Help to Live at Home contract for west Wiltshire in 2011, the support they get has been non-existent.
Somerset Care’s area manager Martin Ross visited Lyes Grove – run by Selwood Housing and a mix of 19 flats and bungalows – on Tuesday and Wednesday, to discuss the issues raised.
Mr Keogh confirmed the firm is committed to working with sheltered housing residents to ensure they have the best services available.
Mr Keogh said: “Wherever there are issues that arise in our services and we’re aware of them, we put in place whatever is needed to repair those.
“Over the last couple of weeks, some issues have been flagged up and the company has gone and actually taken whatever action was needed to repair those.
“I’m not going to give an apology. Somerset Care specifically addresses issues as we become aware of them, and we do it promptly and we do it in consultation with the people receiving services.
“If they are or continue to be dissatisfied with an aspect of the service we have delivered, and are commissioned to deliver, then we’re more than happy to hear from them and to do whatever is needed to put things right.”
Some people pay for care privately, but the majority get Wiltshire Council help towards the cost of the care from the firm, which is a not-for-profit organisation.
Mr Keogh added: “I’m sure any issues that are flagged up will be addressed, but I also understand they may not be major issues.”
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