A RETIREMENT home in Meirionnydd will close its doors for good this summer due to unsustainable financial losses.

Admitting it is a “difficult decision”, the board of the Abbeyfield Wales Society decided to close the service in Dolgellau as they have struggled over the last few years to fill vacancies.

As a result the service has been making financial losses that the organisation can no longer afford to carry. 

The home, which has currently has three residents, is looking at rehousing options, with another Abbeyfield retirement home in Tywyn a potential option for those affected by the closure.

A spokesperson for Abbeyfield Wales Society said: “Our first priority and duty is to our residents and their relatives, staff, the local authority and other relevant organisations regarding the future of the house.

“We need to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our residents now and into the future.

“We currently have three residents at the house and we are talking to them about their housing options. We will explore if they would like to move to the nearest Abbeyfield property (in Tywyn) or to rehouse more locally, most likely via the local authority. 

“We anticipate the closure process will take around six to nine months but at each stage of the process, Abbeyfield staff will be at hand to help and support residents.

“We are also liaising with local housing and adult social care teams to explore the existing re-housing options to offer the best possible chance of meeting residents’ needs and preferences.

“As the closure was only announced to residents on 3 January 2019, discussions with residents and our partners are still ongoing.”

The closure of the home was mentioned very briefly in a recent Dolgellau town council meeting when mayor Delwyn Evans informed the council that “very unfortunately” the home would be closing within the next nine months.