101-year-old gets care home reprieve

7:14am Tuesday 7th October 2008

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THE family of a 101-yearold dementia sufferer who is facing eviction from her care home have been granted an 11th-hour reprieve.

Sarah Rutter has been the only resident in the Parkview Care Home, in Thornaby, near Stockton, which is earmarked for closure by Stockton Borough Council, since July.

Last week, her family lost a High Court challenge to prevent her from being moved despite their lawyer, Yvonne Hossack, arguing Mrs Rutter could die if she moves.

However, Lord Justice Rix yesterday granted an order preventing Mrs Rutter from being moved until after an emergency Appeal Court hearing tomorrow.

Mrs Hossack will make a last-ditch attempt to get the High Court ruling overturned.

Speaking outside court, Mrs Hossack said: “Sarah has got another chance tomorrow.

She has been granted two more days at the home she knows and where people love her.

“On Wednesday, we will be arguing that the life of a 101-year-old woman is as precious as that of a child.”

Last week, the High Court heard how it is costing the authority £7,400 a week to keep Mrs Rutter in the home, where she is attended to by 19 staff. The cost of housing her at an alternative home is estimated to be £620.

Mrs Rutter’s family attacked Stockton Borough Council for “placing a price” on the head of the great-grandmother.

Mrs Hossack argued that there is a ten per cent chance that Mrs Rutter will die because of the stress of a move from the home.

Dismissing her challenge last week, Mr Justice Wilkie said the council committee which approved the move did have enough information on which to conclude that it was safe to transfer Mrs Rutter.