NEW homes had to be found for 13 people with dementia after a care home closed last week.

Dovecote Care Home in Llangarron, near to Ross-on-Wye, closed its doors last Friday.

It had been providing specialist dementia care since 1996 and had space for 15 residents.

Martin Samuels, director for adults and wellbeing at Herefordshire Council, said they were sorry to hear Dreamcare Homes Limited had decided to close the home.

He added: “Our top priority was to find alternative suitable accommodation for the three people who had been placed there by the council and to ensure a smooth transition for everyone living there.

"I am delighted to say we have been able to achieve this for all 13 residents.

“All residents have now moved safely to new homes that are able to meet their needs.

“Staff working for the council and for the care home have shown exceptional commitment and professionalism to make this move happen so quickly and smoothly.”

The council had to find new homes within six days as they first heard about the decision on November 1 and the home was placed into liquidation on November 6.

Herefordshire Council currently provides social care support for 2,500 individuals, of whom 793 people are in care homes, which represents slightly less than one third of care home residents within the county.

The remainder are either self-funders or funded by other councils.

The council currently pays an average rate of £457.46 per week to care homes- but these rates can vary depending upon the needs and levels of care required by individuals.

The fee rate is subject to review annually and the council is engaging with care home providers in light of the increase in costs, with particular regard to the National Living Wage which will be introduced in April 2016 and will mean employers have to pay£7.20 per hour to employees aged 25 and over.