A JEDBURGH care home is set to close next year, following an announcement from one of Scotland's biggest elderly care providers.

Edinburgh-based Bield Housing, which has been working in elderly care for over 45 years, said on Thursday (October 12) that it will close all 12 of its residential care homes across Scotland, including Milfield Gardens in Jedburgh.

The move will affect up to 23 elderly residents at the Borders home, with a total of 167 residents affected across seven local authority areas.

Elsewhere in the South of Scotland, Langvout Court in Biggar has also been confirmed as one of the 12 Bield care homes to close.

Brian Logan, chief executive of Bield, said: "We are aware of the serious impact these changes will make to people who use our services, their families and our staff.

"Those impacted by the changes have been advised and in the coming weeks and months we will be holding consultation meetings to communicate the reasons for the decision and discuss what options are available to those affected - with the aim of minimising the impact as far as possible.

"Our five-year vision is bold and we aim to transform our organisation by 2022."

John Gallacher, Unison Scottish organiser, said: "First minister, Nicola Sturgeon must intervene and ask how Bield Housing's management team got themselves into this position.

"This is a disaster for families across Scotland and it questions the role of government, integrated joint boards, NHS and local authorities.

"The task of making alternative arrangements will fall back on public authorities, the tax payer and individual families at a few months notice.

"This is at a time when demand for care services can only increase. As a charity, using public funds, Bield Housing must be held accountable."

Age Scotland, Scotland’s leading charity for older people, has warned that closures of care homes could have serious consequences for vulnerable residents.

Keith Robson, Age Scotland’s charity director said: “We’re concerned to hear about these closures. Studies show that poorly-planned moves are extremely stressful for older people and negatively affect their physical and mental health.

“We hope that 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 per cent of care home places provided by the private sector, there is always a chance that 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 that early action can be taken to prevent closure or ensure a smooth transition.”

Full list of care homes affected:

  • Woodlands - Bo'ness (Falkirk)
  • Thornton Gardens - Bonnybridge (Falkirk)
  • Grantsbank - Dunfermline (Fife)
  • Gillie Court - Dunfermline (Fife)
  • Finavon Court - Glenrothes (Fife)
  • Lochar Lodge - Pollok (Glasgow)
  • Milfield Gardens - Jedburgh (Scottish Borders)
  • Langvout Court - Biggar (South Lanarkshire)
  • St Andrews Court - Broxburn (West Lothian)
  • West Port - Linlithgow (West Lothian)
  • Haugh Street - Edinburgh
  • Craighall Gardens - Edinburgh

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