Belfast Family Fights 'Eviction' of Disabled Daughter from Care Home Amid Concerns Over Wellbeing

March 7, 2025
Belfast Family Fights 'Eviction' of Disabled Daughter from Care Home Amid Concerns Over Wellbeing
  • The Sharps fear that removing Laura from her home will severely impact her health and emotional stability, emphasizing that their parental duty to care for her remains unchanged despite her age.

  • While the Cedar Foundation declined to comment on individual cases, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust expressed regret over the stress this situation has caused the Sharp family.

  • Laura, who has a severe learning disability, has lived at The Mews for seven years, but her parents have reported a decline in her mental health and raised issues regarding her medication and the cleanliness of her apartment.

  • The Sharps vehemently deny any abusive behavior, stating that they have only expressed concern for Laura's wellbeing and criticized Cedar for labeling their inquiries as abusive.

  • The family also faced challenges in securing a private occupational therapist for Laura, which further strained their relationship with Cedar.

  • Nuala Toman from Disability Action highlighted that many families experience similar breakdowns in relationships with care providers after raising concerns, often leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety.

  • Mrs. Sharp warned that the potential removal of Laura from her home would have dire consequences for her health, reinforcing the notion that parental responsibility transcends age.

  • Mark and Marjorie Sharp are raising alarms over their daughter Laura's care at The Mews in west Belfast, claiming she is being 'evicted' due to their concerns about her wellbeing.

  • In January 2025, the Cedar Foundation, which operates The Mews, issued an eight-week notice to end Laura's care, citing an inability to provide necessary support and claiming a breakdown in relationships due to perceived aggression from the Sharps.

  • The situation reflects a troubling dynamic between families and care providers, where raising legitimate concerns can lead to punitive actions against those advocating for their loved ones.

  • Cedar's decision to end Laura's care has been described by the Sharps as an eviction, underscoring the escalating tensions between the family and the care provider.

  • Toman emphasized the importance of advocacy for families navigating care provider relationships, as many lack effective support, leaving them feeling vulnerable.

Summary based on 2 sources


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