The future of a Broughty Ferry care home has been thrown into doubt just months after it celebrated its 100th birthday.
Ferry House trustees have told elderly residents and their families the 16-bed home is no longer viable to run.
And they are now in talks with Dundee-based care operator Hillcrest Futures, which hopes to convert the facility into assisted living flats.
If agreed, Ferry House – which is exclusively for women – would close in its current form in March 2024.
Shocked families say the announcement came out of the blue during a meeting last month.
And they claim it has cast a shadow of uncertainty over their loved ones’ final years.
Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership has pledged to help find alternative accommodation for all the affected residents at other care homes in the area.
Ferry House has declined to comment on the issue.
Discussions about future ‘ongoing’
Ferry House opened as a private residential home for ladies in 1921.
The Gray Street premises are in the heart of Broughty Ferry and overlook the River Tay.
And families have described the care it offers as exceptional.
However, it is run by a non-profit-making trust and it is understood members are finding it difficult to keep going.
One of the conditions established when it opened was the building cannot be sold, meaning it would be gifted to Hillcrest if talks are successful.
Hillcrest confirmed talks were under way.
A spokeswoman said: “Hillcrest Homes, Hillcrest Futures and the trustees of Ferry House are in early discussions around the future management of Ferry House.
“These discussions have been wide ranging and have included an early indication to staff, residents and family members of this possibility.
“Governance arrangements are still being worked through before any final board approvals can take place.
“There is, and will continue to be, effective communication with interested parties at all times during these discussions.”
Ferry House centenary celebrations
Ferry House was originally in King Street and was opened by local women to support the servants of well-to-do families.
At that time, it had just six residents and relied entirely on charitable donations.
It moved to its current location in Gray Street in 1938.
Staff threw a huge party for residents in September to celebrate the home’s centenary.
And as the prosecco flowed, chairman of the board of management Stuart Shepherd said: “There used to be a lot of large homes in Broughty Ferry – it was quite a wealthy area due to the jute mills.
“So many of them had house staff who worked and lived in the homes.
“And when staff got to the age of 60, they would retire but have nowhere to stay, as the house was their home.
“So a lot of the ladies of the houses clubbed together and put in a vast amount of money to buy a retirement home on King Street.”
If you have been affected by the closure, please get in touch with The Courier at emma.oneill@dctmedia.co.uk
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