A veterans’ charity has cited inadequate funding and peoples’ desire to stay in their own homes as reasons for the closure of a Glasgow care home.

Erskine will to close its Erskine Park Home in the village of Bishopton by March next year.

“Wing commander Ian Cumming, Erskine chief executive, said: “Erskine can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close our Erskine Park Home at Bishopton by March 2024. Consultations are ongoing with our staff, as well as the veterans and families involved. The residents affected have been offered the opportunity to transfer to Ramsay House, within The Erskine Home, Bishopton – where there are currently rooms available. We hope to relocate as many staff there as possible too.

“The closure of the Erskine Park Home and the adjustment of some of Erskine’s special care services is a direct result of the evolving landscape in elderly care provision. The National Care Home Contract Fee no longer provides adequate funding for the increasingly complex care & support which elderly citizens often need, or appropriate pay levels for our staff. We also recognise there is a greater desire for people to stay in their own homes as long as possible. As a result, we are investigating the demand and deliverability of a care at home style project and the feasibility of expanding our assisted living provisions.”

The closure announcement comes two months after Scottish care home operators reluctantly accepted a 6% uplift in fees after months of deadlock.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We do not want to see the closure of good quality care homes. Regrettably, there will be situations where independent sector or local authority run care homes close for various reasons and It is out with the remit of the Scottish government to intervene.  In such situations there is usually no other option but to ensure a safe and supported transition for residents to alternative care environments. In this instance we are aware that all residents in Erskine Park Home will be offered the opportunity to transfer to Ramsay House, in The Erskine Home, meaning they will remain in the Veterans Village.

“The National Care Home Contract rate is not set by Scottish government and is negotiated between COSLA and Scottish Care. We are pleased Scottish Care members have voted to accept the 6% uplift offer from COSLA to agree the National Care Home Contract.”