Aberdeen’s Balnagask House care facility is set to cease operations, a decision attributed to a combination of dwindling demand for residential care and increasing operational costs. The closure will impact 11 current residents, who will be supported in transitioning to new accommodation.
Operated by Bon Accord Care, an arms-length organisation linked to Aberdeen City Council, Balnagask House has been facing financial pressures and regulatory challenges. The Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP) confirmed that the closure would yield savings of approximately £300,000 earmarked for necessary renovations, in addition to ongoing running costs.
An ACHSCP spokesperson commented on the strategic rationale behind the decision:
“This decision takes into account a range of factors, including the declining demand for residential care, changing complexity of need, the condition of the building, financial sustainability pressures and ongoing regulatory requirements.”
“We will work closely with residents, families and staff throughout the transition period, and safeguarding the wellbeing of residents will remain at the centre of every step taken.”
The facility, originally equipped for 30 beds, saw its capacity reduced to 20 in 2024 due to budget constraints. Prior to the closure announcement, Balnagask House underwent a review in 2025 to evaluate its services against the evolving needs of city residents and the overall cost-effectiveness of provision.
Staff currently employed at Balnagask House will receive support from Bon Accord Care to move into alternative roles within the wider organisation. A spokesperson added: “Bon Accord Care are committed to supporting staff through a managed remobilisation process, helping individuals move into appropriate roles within the wider organisation.”
The need for significant renovation works at Balnagask House was highlighted by Care Inspectorate visits in December 2023 and August 2024. These inspections identified several areas requiring upgrades, including flooring, furnishings, redecoration, improved lighting for visibility and accessibility, and more extensive enhancements to residents’ bedrooms and en-suites.
In Case You Missed it:
The challenges faced by Balnagask House reflect broader trends within Scotland’s care sector. Public Health Scotland data indicates an 18% reduction in the number of adult care homes and a 5% decrease in registered places across Scotland over the decade leading to March 2025.
The local authority/health board sector, specifically, has seen a 19% decrease in residents during this period, alongside a general strategic shift towards enabling older individuals to remain in their homes for longer.
This evolving landscape, coupled with increasing care complexity for those entering residential settings, underscores the financial and operational pressures impacting publicly run care facilities in the region.
