The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Elderly residents face anxious wait over closure-threatened home.
Firm that operates three homes is trying to find solutions
Talks which may save a closurethreatened care home in Glenrothes are unlikely to be concluded before the end of the year, The Courier understands.
Finavon Court is one of three Fife care homes earmarked for closure by Edinburgh-based operator Bield Housing, although takeover discussions with an as-yet-unnamed company are said to be ongoing to retain staff and the home’s 24 residents.
That process is expected to last many months.
No such rescue package has been tabled for the other two homes facing the axe, with 14 residents at Grants Bank and 12 at Gillie Court, both Dunfermline, still looking at the prospect of having to find new accommodation by July.
Bield announced on Thursday that 12 of its care homes are likely to close, with the nine outside Fife located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Jedburgh, Biggar and West Lothian.
Brian Logan, chief executive of Bield, said the company had agreed to make the “biggest and hardest changes first”.
“We believe it is prudent to make these changes on our terms, rather than have decisions forced upon us that we have no control over,” he said.
“However, there is a possibility that we may be able to transfer Finavon Court to an alternative provider which would mean continuity for service users and continued employment for our employees.
“We expect that these discussions will be concluded over the course the next few months.”
The news comes as Age Scotland called for urgent measures to be put in place to try and mitigate the effect of similar closures in future.
The charity for older people said the Bield situation could have “serious consequences” for those affected and believes a compulsory risk register for care homes should be introduced.
This would act as an early warning system for care providers experiencing operational or financial challenges and put in place a “ladder of intervention” for public authorities to produce solutions.
Keith Robson, Age Scotland’s charity director, said: “Studies show poorlyplanned moves are extremely stressful for older people and negatively affect their physical and mental health.
“We hope providers and local authorities are working together to minimise the impact on residents and their families and ensure they all have the support they need.
“With around 80% of care home places provided by the private sector, there is always a chance these will be affected by financial difficulties, Care Inspectorate enforcement action or emergencies such as flood or fire.
“It’s urgent that providers and commissioners work together to set up the most effective contingency planning process and ensure early action can be taken to prevent closure or ensure a smooth transition.”
There is a possibility that we may be able to transfer Finavon Court to an alternative provider. BIELD HOUSING