SOUTH Efford House Care Home in Aveton Gifford is closing its doors at the end of March – and residents have been given just over two weeks to find new homes.

There are currently 11 residents living in South Efford House, which is a residential care home for elderly and disabled people, as well those suffering from mild dementia.

The home is owned by Crocus Care and managing director Paul Ewer said: 'It is with great sadness that we announced the closure of our residential home at Aveton Gifford.

'The home, which has space for 22 residents, has been a care home for some 20 years and owned by us for the past seven.

'The home is not currently financially viable and has lost money for some time.

'As of last week the home had just 11 residents, eight of which are funded by Devon Social Services.'

Mr Ewer said that the home had faced difficulties because of low fees being paid for council-funded clients, low occupancy because of a low number of referrals, the need for substantial investment and difficulties staffing the home.

Mr Ewer added: 'We have been in contact with Devon Social Services and they will be working with us to find alternative accommodation for our residents. As there are a number of other homes in the area and most have vacancies these days. We are confident alternative accommodation will be found.

'The company hopes to offer new positions to a small number of the 20 staff. The company has four other homes in Devon and these are trading profitably. The future for the property is not yet determined but it will probably be put up for sale.'

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: 'Efford House is making a loss because it has a significant level of vacancies and has been unsuccessful in attracting clients to the home.

'Devon County Council is working closely with residents and their families to find suitable alternative accommodation that meets their individual needs.'