Bield has announced that three of its care homes have been transferred to a new provider - however the battle to save a further eight has ended
The future of three care homes which faced closure has been secured.
Charity Bield announced last autumn that it was withdrawing from care home provision as it considered continuing to operate them unviable in the long term.
Staff carried out discussions with other organisations in a bid to ensure the homes remained open.
Following discussions, the housing and care provider announced this week that two of its homes in Edinburgh and one in Jedburgh will be transferred to Mansfield Care. These transfers follow on from the transfer in May of Finavon Court, in Glenrothes to Kingdom Homes.
However the charity confirmed its remaining eight homes have now closed.
Mansfield Care will take over Haugh Street and Craighall Road in Edinburgh and Milfield Gardens in Jedburgh in a move that will result in minimum disruption for residents.
Charlie Dickson, director of housing and care services, said: “We are fully aware of the serious impact the decision to close the care homes has made on the lives of the people who use our services, their families and our staff.
“Once we made the decision to close the care homes we worked closely with our specialist agents Christie & Co to ensure that every possible attempt to find new care providers was explored across the country.
“Our service users and staff have remained of paramount importance throughout what is clearly a stressful and traumatic time.”
Bield announced 12 of its care homes were to close due to a change in strategic direction and ongoing financial pressures.
The decision to withdraw from the residential care home market was described a last resort option by Bield, who said it needed to change the way it delivers services to secure its future and meet the changing needs of those that it supports.
The charity has said it will develop a new home care service, review office costs and continue to develop homes for older people.
