A Perthshire businessman has taken the “heart-breaking” decision to close a long-established family-run care home.
John Bryden has blamed a “perfect storm” for the imminent closure of Bridge of Earn’s Moncreiffe Care Home, established by his late mother Helen in 1985.
Covid, the departure of an experienced manager, staffing challenges and the prospect of soaring energy bills on the back of the pandemic have prompted the move.
The nursing home’s 23 residents and 37 members of staff have been informed of the decision after a 90-day emergency closure alert.
“Sadly, for a number of reasons, Moncreiffe Care Home has become unsustainable to operate,” said Mr Bryden.
“As everyone is well aware, Covid impacted hugely on the care home sector. In common with homes across the country, we faced enormous and at times traumatic challenges.
“It was all about crisis management in a bid to protect the health of our residents while, at times, we were down seven and eight members of staff who had to self-isolate.
“Now, as we emerge from that unprecedented crisis we are braced for eye-watering energy bills later in the year, ongoing staff shortages in the industry and rising maintenance costs for an ageing building.
“The departure of a highly-regarded care home manager was simply the straw which broke the camel’s back.”
Mr Bryden (66) stressed the painful decision to close the doors had been a last resort.
He said: “Our priority throughout this process is the welfare of our residents, their families and our staff.
“Obviously it has been a sensitive situation and we took care to ensure they learned of the decision at the same time.
“This is the only time in my life I have had to close down a business. There have been a lot of sleepless nights trying to fathom out a way forward.
“The meeting with staff to inform them of the decision was heart-breaking. It was very emotional for everyone.
“One member of the team has been with us for more than 30 years and many others have been here for 10 and 20 years.
“We are working closely with Perth and Kinross Council’s social work department and the Care Inspectorate. They have both been very helpful and understanding.
“We are cooperating with social work to pinpoint suitable alternative accommodation for the residents.
“Moncreiffe was a small, friendly, family-run home and that heavily influenced the decision of many residents to come to us. We are looking for a similar environment.
“We are currently following the redundancy guidelines and consultations are ongoing with staff.
“Along with the council social work team, we will be supporting staff to relocate to new jobs within the care home sector.
“We also took steps to alert local councillors of the position we found ourselves in.”
The Moncreiffe Care Home, which is registered for 33 residents, was formerly the Moncreiffe Arms Hotel before the Bryden family converted the property nearly 40 years ago.
