Three care homes to close amid 'unsettling time'

Three Wiltshire care homes are to close in what has been described as an "unsettling time" for the families involved.

Residents at Buckland Court in Amesbury, Seymour House in Chippenham and Hungerford House in Corsham will be moved within the next 10 weeks.

Wiltshire Council made the announcement with The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which has overall responsibility for the operation of three council-owned care homes.

Matthew Jones, divisional director for Wiltshire at OSJCT, said he understood "this will be an unsettling time" but added: "We want to reassure every resident, family member and colleague that they will be fully supported throughout the transition period."

The three homes were built more than 50 years ago. Wiltshire Council said it is unable to "offer greater privacy, accessibility and specialist support" for conditions such as dementia at the sites without "causing significant disruption" to residents there.

The homes are due to close by 30 June.

Cllr Gordon King, cabinet member for adult social care at Wiltshire Council said the news "may be difficult for some people" with the decision made to reflect "the changing needs of our population."

He added: "We will consider the best options for each resident, keep disruption to a minimum and make moves as smooth as possible.

"We will work at a pace that reflects each person's individual circumstances."

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