It seems that the news of closure of Isle of Man care home has not gone down well with the union. It was only after the announcement that the care home would be closed for the elderly that the union members came into action.

They have expressed their fierce opposition to the plans and are mulling the option to protest outside the House of Keys on 6 March. This decision could affect as many as 59 elderly residents and 64 members of staff.

"In the long term we think it will also lead to a number of individuals having to give up their jobs to look after vulnerable members of the family”, said regional industrial organiser for Unite, Steve Salter. However, a spokesman of the social care department is of the view that it was done to raise the level of the care quality for elders.

The department has apparently assured that all those who are right now under the fear of losing their jobs would be approached for alternative arrangements. The department believes that there is need to develop a full fledge plan which could cater to the needs of aged people.

The facility which is among the government-run residential homes on the island would be closed by 2014. If the official figures are to be believed, there would be an extra £700,000 each year on the current cost structure if the facility is not shut down. It was perhaps the rising cost which has pushed the social care department to take such stern measure.

While now elders would have not many options but to be independent, it would be worth noting what steps are being taken by the social care department to raise the bar of social health care.