Care home closure described as positive move

The closure of a residential care home for the elderly has been described by the Isle of Man government as a "positive move forward".

The social care department has announced plans to close the Glenside Resource centre in Douglas by 2014.

It is thought the move will affect about 59 elderly residents and 64 members of staff.

A department spokesman said the decision had been taken to help deliver the standard of care people want.

Over the next two years Glenside staff and residents will be consulted about future job prospects and care options, said the department.

The facillity is one of four government-run residential homes on the island.

Major changes

The spokesman added: "This is not about closure - it is about moving forward with services that are fit for the future and delivering the care that people and their families want.

"Two new, high standard units will be opened this year as part of the programme.

"Surby unit in Southlands will be opened in spring as planned and we will offer residents in other homes the opportunity to transfer, where appropriate."

The changes herald major changes in the island's social care system which the government said would save money and improve services.

Social care Minister Chris Robertshaw said: "Residential care for an individual currently costs the island around £39,000 a year, but if we encourage people to stay at home and enjoy life that way, with the help of a variety of services, the bill could be reduced to about £6,000.

"In many cases the last thing people want to do is to end up in residential care."

According to government statistics, the the number of island residents aged 65 and over is expected to grow by half over the next 20 years.